Most of us listen to the paradise taste of Peanut Butter. This is because it is one of the most popular breakfasts in the world! It has a slightly salty flavor accompanied with a paradisiacal texture by the way it sticks to the roof of the mouth before melting, it is wonderful.
However, since everything is not roses, some people are allergic. Incidentally, for a small percentage of the population, consumption of peanuts can lead to death!
It is a relatively unprocessed food. Basically, it is ground peanut, it can be roasted or not. However, many brands add ingredients like sugar, vegetable oils and even trans fat! Eating large amounts of sugar and trans fat has been associated with various health problems such as heart disease.
That said, always choose a version as natural as possible! Peanut butter is a fairly balanced energy source that provides all three macronutrients. These are namely carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
Peanut Butter: Detailing
A 100g serving of peanut butter contains:
Carbohydrates: 20 grams, of which 6 are fiber.
- Pure peanut butter contains only 20% of carbohydrates, making it suitable for a low carbohydrate diet.
- It helps regulate blood sugar and is, therefore, a perfect choice for people with type 2 diabetes.
- Protein: 25 grams, which is quite a lot compared to most other plant foods.
- Although peanut butter is quite high in protein, the essential amino acid methionine is low in content.
Fat: 50 grams,
- Half of the fat in butter is composed of oleic acid, a type of monounsaturated fat that is also found in large amounts in olive oil. This acid has been associated with several health benefits!
- Peanut butter also contains linoleic acid, an essential omega-6 fatty acid abundant in most vegetable oils. Some studies suggest that a high intake of omega-6, relative to omega-3, may increase inflammation and risk of chronic diseases.
- Although peanut butter is quite nutritious, it may also contain harmful substances. Namely, aflatoxins!
Peanuts are often contaminated with Aspergillus fungi. In this way, producing aflatoxins, highly carcinogenic.
The effect depends on the dose and frequency of eating peanuts. Some human studies have correlated aflatoxin exposure to liver cancer, delayed child growth, and even mental retardation.
But there is good news! Processing peanuts in peanut butter reduce aflatoxin levels by 89%.
