Is Peanut Butter Good for Weight Loss?

According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, peanut butter is full of nutrients such as: 

• Proteins
• Carbohydrates
• Monounsaturated fatty acids
• Folate
• Niacin
• Pantothenic acid
• Pyridoxine
• Riboflavin
• Thiamin
• Vitamins E, C, and A
• Sodium
• Magnesium
• Calcium
• Manganese
• Phosphorus
• Selenium
• Copper
• Iron
• Zinc

Two tablespoons of peanut butter contain:

Peanut butter can be added to your diet in six ways that include:

1. Adding one or two spoonfuls of peanut butter to morning smoothies
2. Spreading peanut butter and honey on whole-grain toast or sandwiches
3. Consuming Thai-style peanut butter soup with onions, garlic, and tomatoes
4. Eating frozen yogurt topped with peanuts or peanut butter
5. Stirring creamy peanut butter into oatmeal or oats
6. Tossing peanut butter with salads

Peanut butter is one of America's favorite comfort foods. Studies have proved that snacking on this in a controlled amount is a good way to control hunger without the risk of weight gain.

Peanut butter is rich in calories. Hence, it should not be consumed in excess quantity. You should be very cautious concerning the portion size when eating peanut butter.

According to some studies, it is recommended not to consume more than two tablespoons (approximately 32 grams) of peanut butter a day. Eating it in the right amount (in moderation) might help you shed pounds.

Depending on the individual needs, consult your dietician to know the right quantity and best way to consume peanut butter for weight loss.

Check the list of ingredients before buying the product. Avoid eating brands that have tons of added sugar, salt, and preservatives.

The best options are natural, organic peanut butter brands that have the lowest amount of sodium and added sugar.

Fifteen potential health benefits of peanut butter include:

1. Lowers the risk of weight gain and obesity
2. Prevents heart diseases and high blood pressure
3. Prevents diabetes due to low glycemic index
4. Boosts recovery after an intense workout
5. Contains essential vitamins and minerals such as copper, folate, B vitamin B3 and B6, and manganese
6. Improves heart health due to its healthy fat content
7. Lowers low-density lipoprotein (bad) cholesterol and increases high-density lipoprotein (good) cholesterol
8. May reduce the risk of cancer due to its antioxidant content
9. Promotes blood vessel health and functioning 
10. A natural source of arginine, an amino acid that may prevent heart and vascular diseases
11. A great source of antioxidants that helps prevent and repair cell damage 
12. Lowers the risk of cognitive decline due to its resveratrol content
13. Protects against Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases
14. Prevents gallstones
15. Promotes stronger bones

Four health risks of peanut butter include:

1. In some cases, people with peanut allergies may suffer serious repercussions from eating peanut butter.
2. Peanut butter contains a high amount of calories per serving, and if eaten in excess, it can lead to unwanted weight gain.
3. Peanuts contain some saturated fats that can lead to heart issues when consumed in excess over time.
4. Peanuts are high in phosphorus that can limit the body’s absorption of other minerals such as zinc and iron, leading to conditions such as iron deficiency anemia or zinc deficiency.

Three alternatives to peanut butter include:

1. Almond butter
2. Macadamia nut butter
3. Walnut butter