Peanut Butter is an American classic, and its fame has spread world-wide. Peanut Butter is often served at family gatherings or given as a gift, but it has many other uses as well. Here are seven common uses for this delicious spread:
Atkins Diet. Most dieters on the Atkins Diet avoid carbohydrates, especially simple carbohydrates such as table sugar and starches like pasta and rice. Because sugar is converted into fats in the body, keeping it off balances blood sugar levels. If you eat enough peanut butter contains low-glycemic carbs that cut your risk of insulin resistance, a leading cause of diabetes. Some studies have shown that eating up to two pounds of nuts each day lowers your risk of developing diabetes.
Low Carb Diet. Peanut Butter is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for building muscle and maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. While low in calories and fat, some studies have suggested that it may help prevent weight gain. Since peanut butter contains large amounts of protein, it provides essential amino acid methionine, which helps the body use energy. Methionine also boosts the release of serotonin, a chemical in the brain that regulates moods, appetite and energy levels.
Heart Disease Prevention. Peanut Butter is brimming in antioxidants, which counter free radicals that can damage the body’s cells and contribute to heart disease and other health problems. Some studies have suggested that peanuts contain proanthocyanidins, a chemical compound that may prevent lipid peroxidation, one of the causes of heart disease. In addition to its potential health benefits, peanuts contain vitamins A, E and B-complex, which are important for keeping the cardiovascular system and immune system working properly.
Weight loss. Peanut Butter is often used as a replacement for other protein sources because it has a fairly low Glycemic Index (GI) and doesn’t cause excessive amounts of hunger during the first few hours after eating. In addition, it provides a handful of grams of protein per serving, making it an excellent source of energy for those who need to maintain a healthy diet. In addition, research has indicated that consuming peanut butter can reduce the risk of developing diabetes, an insulin-dependent cardio-related disease. Because of these potential health benefits, some people opt to eliminate eggs from their diets entirely and substitute peanut butter for the protein source.
Reduced Belly Fat. Peanut Butter contains good fats, including unsaturated fatty acids that provide a natural source of energy, along with proteins and several types of antioxidants, which are considered beneficial to health. However, many people choose to eat peanut butter without any health benefits. In addition, there are larger amounts of calories in peanut butter compared to other high-calorie foods, which makes its use as a substitute not a practical choice.
Minimal Bitter Tasting. Peanut Butter has no bitter taste, which makes it a particularly pleasant snack option to incorporate into your daily diet. However, its calories are slightly higher than those in many other nuts. Since most people add sugar, salt or other ingredients to their snacks, the overall number of calories may be significantly higher than in other nuts, making the small number of calories per day worth the small number of calories that are lost through substitution.
High Fiber. Peanut Butter contains significant amounts of fiber, which can improve your overall digestive system. Since fiber is known to help remove waste from the body, this means that you will feel full for a longer period of time and spend less time feeling hungry. This can be very important for people who have difficulty managing their appetites. In addition, regular consumption of peanut butter will also prevent constipation, which is another contributor to weight gain.