More than Just a Nut

Despite the craze diets that promote a low-fat intake, adults can benefit from eating foods with certain fats.   Peanuts contain monounsaturated fats which can reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL). The levels of these two types of cholesterols is related to the condition of your heart.


A research article comparing the intake of peanuts and it's effects on cardiovascular health stated, "Nuts and peanuts ... if routinely incorporated in a healthy diet, population risk of CHD would ... expected to decrease." The article also mentioned studies showing high antioxidants in both peanuts and almond skins.

A handful of peanuts make a heart healthy snack

In addition to a healthy heart, peanut butter can also help you lose weight by making you feel full longer.


"Moderate amounts of fat actually help control hunger and improve willpower " said Virginia Messina, a dietitian specializing in vegan nutrition.  "People who eat diets containing peanuts or other fat-containing foods actually maintain their weight loss more easily than those eating a low-fat diet."

A web site for athletes Beginner Triathlete also promotes peanuts. 

"In this day and age of energy bars, protein powders and weight gain shakes," Nancy Clark, a sports nutritionist wrote, "many athletes forget about “real" foods such as peanut butter. Peanut butter is perhaps the best sport food around." 

If you have been avoiding natural foods because of the fat content, you should probably investigate the kinds of fats they contain. There may be several fatty foods like peanut butter that can actually improve your health. Living in a country where heart disease is becoming more common, if you don't eat peanuts, you should probably reconsider. 

One last note: when you buy whole peanuts, be carful. Many peanut butters also have extra ingredients like sugar. The best peanut butter to buy should have just one ingredient: peanuts.