Americans almost eat about 4 pounds of peanut butter per person in a year. Aside from bringing great taste in dine, nut butter also provides a substance that is very beneficial to health. The butter provides protein, good cholesterol, and fiber.
According to Consumer Reports, peanut butter is one of the protein foods that contain about 2gm of fiber per 2-tablespoon serving. Fiber keeps the digestive system in a good working order and may also lower cholesterol improving cardiovascular health.
There are two classifications of fat; Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL). LDL is known as the "bad cholesterol" while HDL is termed as "good cholesterol". Peanut butter contains the "good cholesterol" or the HDL which when in high levels in the bloodstream it can reduce the risk of heart disease. Cholesterol should not be perceived as health danger as it provides stability in every cell of the body.
The HDL-content of peanut butter thus, scavenge and removes LDL or the bad cholesterol. HDL possesses also the ability to maintain the inner walls of endothelium preventing atherosclerosis that causes the heart attack. The butter also contains magnesium providing 14 percent of human's daily need in just two tablespoons. Magnesium is essential in glucose metabolism that is linked also with lower risk of diabetes.
Meanwhile, issues regarding peanut butter have been linked to aflatoxin, a carcinogen. However, according to Organic Authority, all commercially produced products are tested with levels of aflatoxin. In purchasing peanut products, buying organic is better in order to prevent pesticide contamination. Some brand manufacturers and companies claim their product to be free of aflatoxin.
Furthermore, the contents of the label should be checked as currently, some brands add unnecessary ingredients that displace the some of the nutritious substances. Once the peanut butter container is opened, it should be refrigerated to prevent the growth of fungi and bacteria.
