12 Health Benefits Of Peanut Butter That Will Surprise You

Peanut butter is a delectable food that is both nutritious and delicious. This versatile spread is not just for school lunches but can be eaten as a snack or as a protein shake mixed with smoothies too. 

This soft peanut butter is paired with almost everything from fruits to chocolate. It is high in monounsaturated fats and full of nutrients, which is why peanut butter benefits weight loss lovers. Peanut butter also consists of high protein and healthy oils that help with diabetes and even Alzheimer's disease prevention.

Peanut butter can prevent heart disease and is less likely to be stored as fat. Eating two tablespoons of peanut butter will provide you with 188 calories, 8 grams of protein, 6 grams of carbohydrates, and 16 grams of fat. 

If you're not allergic to peanuts, you can enjoy your daily dose of it by using it as a spread on a toast or sandwich. Here are 12 health benefits of peanut butter. Take a look.

1. Rich Source Of Protein 

100 grams of peanut butter contains a high amount of protein that is about 25-30 grams. Protein is necessary for your body since what you eat gets broken down into amino acids, which are then utilized in each and every cell for repairing and building the body.

2. Lowers Cholesterol Levels 

The fat content found in peanut butter is equal to the fats found in olive oil. It contains monounsaturated fats that are good to consume without putting your heart at any risk. The healthy fats in peanut butter help to lower the bad cholesterol levels and promote good cholesterol.

3. Prevents Type 2 Diabetes 

Consuming peanut butter can also be beneficial in reducing the risk of diabetes. Peanut butter also contains unsaturated fat that has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity. Research has shown that increasing the intake of peanut butter lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes.

4. Prevents Cancer 

The humble peanut butter contains B-sitosterol, a phytosterol that has the ability to fight against cancer, particularly colon, prostate, and breast cancers. Eating peanuts and peanut butter may lower the risk of colon cancer in women.

5. Antioxidant Properties 

Peanut butter is full of antioxidants due to the presence of folate, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, and resveratrol. Resveratrol is an antioxidant, which has been found to be effective in controlling certain types of cancers, heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, and fungal infections.

6. Helps In Losing Weight 

Studies have shown that including peanut butter in your diet can help in shedding off those extra kilos. It contains protein and fiber that help to keep you full for a longer period of time. This results in unwanted cravings and also it promotes better metabolism that helps in weight loss.

7. Regulate Blood Sugar Levels 

Peanut butter is a very good source of magnesium. Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a major role in muscle, bone and immunity development in the body. It also helps to regulate blood sugar levels and helps keep blood pressure in check.

8. High In Potassium 

Peanut butter contains about 100 grams of potassium that acts as an electrolyte, which helps in balancing the fluids in the body. Potassium does not put any pressure either on the blood or on the cardiovascular system because it is a heart-friendly mineral that is found in high quantities in peanut butter.

9. Reduces The Risk Of Gallstones 

Gallstones are caused by being overweight, by following crash diets and taking birth control pills often. A noted study found out that consumption of peanuts reduces the risk of gallstones. And women who consume it regularly will lower the risk of developing gallstones.

10. Rich In Dietary Fiber 

Peanut butter is high in dietary fiber and about 1 cup of peanut butter has 20 grams of dietary fiber. Dietary fiber is required and should be a part of your daily diet since a lack of dietary fiber can lead to several health problems and diseases.

11. Full Of Vitamins 

Did you know that peanut butter contains many vitamins that are good for your body? Vitamin A is helpful for improving eyesight and vitamin C helps to boost the immune system and heals simple ulcers faster. Also, vitamin E is another important micro-nutrient that is needed by the body to dissolve complex fatty acids in the arteries. 

12. Helps You Keep Calm 

Eating a tablespoon of peanut butter daily will help you in fighting against the effects of stress. It is because peanut butter contains beta-sitosterol, a plant sterol that normalizes high cortisol levels and brings them back into balance with other hormones at the time of stress.