According to the National Peanut Board, he is one really popular guy, found in 90% of homes in the U.S.—and for good reason. Peanut Butter is one delicious ingredient.
According to the National Peanut Board, he is one really popular guy, found in 90% of homes in the U.S.—and for good reason. Peanut Butter is one delicious ingredient. He’s made from the peanut, a little legume believed to have originated in South America. He first burst onto the scene around the turn of the 20th century at the World’s Fair. He’s been sticking to the roofs of mouths ever since. You may wonder why our dietitians would indulge in Peanut Butter. Sure, he can be high in calories and fat, but he—and the peanuts he’s made from—also boast some of our favorite health benefits, making him worth the extra calories:
- Weight Maintenance – You heard us right! He has actually been shown to help with your diet. Studies have shown that Peanut Butter can help keep hunger at bay longer than other snack foods, even in small amounts (a standard serving size is 2 tablespoons), preventing you from eating too much too often.
- Heart Health – He is all about keeping your heart healthy so you can keep on loving him for years to come. Several studies have indicated that peanuts and Peanut Butter, like some other common nuts, can help to lower cholesterol and triglycerides, thanks to healthy fats.
- All-Around Nutrition – Peanut Butter is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and more to boost your health, including vitamins A and E, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, and fiber. These nutrients help with everything from healthy eyes to healthy skin and bones!
So slap him on some celery, pair him with apples and bananas, toss him with Asian noodles and veggies, or keep it simple with a PB & J just like Mom used to make for a little decadent nutrition today. He tastes like a guilty pleasure, but you can feel good about including him as a part of your diet.