Peanut Butter: A Multi-nutrient Source

Peanut butter is equally healthy as yummy it is. If we break down 100 g of the peanut butter in terms of calorie then it is observed to have 15 % calories in the form of proteins, 71 % calories as fats and 14 % calories in the form of carbohydrates.

Peanut butter has two unique ingredients apart from other rich nutrients. These are resveratrol and p-coumaric acid. Resveratrol is an anti-microbial chemical that aids in protecting the preparation against pathogen attack. This is also a good antioxidant. The same chemical in present in the red grapes Blood thinning properties of resveratrol is known world wide.

P-coumaric acid is a polyphenol. It is said to be helpful in treating oxidative stress. In this condition, the person suffers from series of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders. A 100 g of peanut butter contains 8 % of dietary fiber which helps in maintaining good blood sugar levels and regulating increased cholesterol.

Additionally, the dietary fibers give protection against atherosclerosis and colo-rectal cancer. The butter is good source of vitamin E and B3 (Niacin).Vitamin E is a liposoluble antioxidant and Niacin is a water-soluble vitamin. Each help in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and recover form any DNA damage inside the body.

Niacin also improves sexual activity in an individual by maintaining optimal secretion of sexual hormones. The niacin present in peanut helps in prevention against Alzheimer’s disease. This has been concluded by the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry.

Iron and calcium present in the peanut butter are required for functioning of RBCs and maintenance of healthy bones respectively. Although, the commercial preparation of peanut butter is a healthy option but raw peanut butter is a better source of minerals. Other minerals present in the butter are copper, magnesium and potassium.

According to a research on 80,000 females, women who ate at least one ounce of peanut butter, nuts or peanuts every week had 25 % lower chances to develop gallstones.