Is It OK to Eat Peanut Butter Every Day? 4 Health Benefits (2024)

  • Nutritional Value
  • Health Benefits
    • 4 health benefits of peanut butter
  • Side Effects
    • What happens if you eat too much peanut butter?
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It is OK to eat peanut butter every day, but in moderation. Do not eat more than 2 tablespoons, approximately 32 grams, a day.

This protein-packed spread is made by blending roasted peanuts into a thick paste and contains various nutrients that promote good health. However, you should always check the label for unhealthy ingredients, such as sugar, trans fat, and vegetable oils.

Peanut butter is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including:

  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin B3
  • Vitamin B6
  • Magnesium
  • Manganese
Table: Nutritional value of natural peanut butter (32 grams)
NutrientAmount (in grams)
Calories190
Protein8
Fat16
Carbohydrates7
Fiber3
Sugar1

4 health benefits of peanut butter

  1. Lowers heart disease risk: Oleic acid is one of the main fats in peanut butter, and it helps regulate cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. Keeping these factors under control lowers your risk of developing heart disease. The omega-6 fatty acid content of peanut butter also helps improve good (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels and lowers bad (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels.
  2. Prevents diabetes: Oleic acid helps lower insulin resistance, which is a factor that plays a role in increased sugar levels and the development of diabetes.
  3. Fights free radicals: Antioxidants such as manganese, vitamin E, and resveratrol in peanuts may help counteract the effect of free radicals in the body. Free radicals increase the risk of chronic diseases, including cancer. Eating peanuts can reduce this risk. A study suggests that roasting the peanuts before making peanut butter increases the antioxidant content.
  4. Promotes weight loss: If consumed in moderation and substituted for unhealthy fats, the unsaturated fats in peanut butter can help you in your weight loss journey. The proteins and fiber in peanut butter can help you feel full for longer.

What happens if you eat too much peanut butter?

Eating peanut butter in moderation provides you with wholesome nutrients. However, eating too much can make you gain weight because it is packed with calories and fats. The risk of weight gain increases even more if you consume commercial peanut butter brands, which often have added sugars, oils, and fats.

Peanut allergy

Some people may be allergic to peanuts, including peanut butter. Avoid peanut butter if you have an allergy because an allergic reaction could be life-threatening.

Mineral deficiencies

The high phosphorus content in peanuts can restrict the absorption of other minerals in the body. If you suffer from mineral deficiencies, such as iron deficiency anemia or zinc deficiency, a diet containing phosphorus-rich foods can aggravate these conditions.

Is It OK to Eat Peanut Butter Every Day? 4 Health Benefits (2)

QUESTION

According to the USDA, there is no difference between a “portion” and a “serving.” See Answer

References

Image Source: iStock Images

Natoli S, McCoy P. A review of the evidence: nuts and body weight. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2007;16(4):588-97. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18042516/

Food Data Central. Natural peanut butter. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/718824/nutrients

Is It OK to Eat Peanut Butter Every Day? 4 Health Benefits (2024)

FAQs

Is It OK to Eat Peanut Butter Every Day? 4 Health Benefits? ›

It is OK to eat peanut butter every day, but in moderation. Do not eat more than 2 tablespoons, approximately 32 grams, a day. This protein-packed spread is made by blending roasted peanuts into a thick paste and contains various nutrients that promote good health.

What happens to your body when you eat peanut butter every day? ›

Improved heart health

One of the main fats in peanut butter is oleic acid. When substituted for other fats in your diet, oleic acid helps maintain good cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure. Managing these levels in your body can lower the risk of heart disease. Peanut butter also contains omega-6 fatty acid.

Who should not eat peanut butter? ›

Those with a known peanut allergy should avoid peanut butter and foods containing the nuts. The NIH also note that just 20 percent of those with an allergy will eventually outgrow the allergy and stop having reactions to nuts.

What are the symptoms of eating too much peanut butter? ›

"Eating too much peanut butter in a short time frame can cause people to become more constipated or have stomach aches due to the high amount of fat in a short time frame," Alicia Galvin, RD said. "Fat takes longer to digest and absorb, and peanut butter is mostly fat, so having too much can tax the digestive system."

How often is it healthy to eat peanut butter? ›

You can also add this spread to fruit smoothies, oatmeal, muffins, and other dishes for a tasty boost of healthy fats and protein. To avoid exceeding your daily calorie needs, be mindful of portion sizes. For most people, this means sticking to 1–2 tablespoons (16–32 grams) per day.

What are the benefits of eating peanut butter regularly? ›

What are three benefits of eating peanut butter? Peanut butter is not only a good source of plant-based protein and healthy fats, but eating peanut butter is also associated with a potential lower risk of heart disease, improved blood sugar control and weight-management support.

Why eat peanut butter before bed? ›

Promotes Quality Sleep

Peanut butter is high in fat, but the majority of that fat is monounsaturated fat, which is healthier for you. When paired with the protein and fibre in peanut butter, these fats can help people feel satiated for longer periods of time, keep their blood sugar steady, and sleep better.

What is the healthiest peanut butter to buy? ›

Healthline's review. It wasn't easy picking a best overall healthy peanut butter, but Crazy Richard's ultimately won out because it hits all the right notes: It's made from just one simple ingredient — peanuts — tastes delicious, and is easy to find at most major grocery stores and online.

Is 2 tablespoons of peanut butter a day too much? ›

It is OK to eat peanut butter every day, but in moderation. Do not eat more than 2 tablespoons, approximately 32 grams, a day. This protein-packed spread is made by blending roasted peanuts into a thick paste and contains various nutrients that promote good health.

Does peanut butter raise blood pressure? ›

Celery is also low in sodium, making it a healthy snack option. When you need a snack, try eating celery sticks with peanut butter. Peanut butter is high in protein and healthy fats, which can also help reduce blood pressure levels.

What is better, almond or peanut butter? ›

Vitamins and minerals

Almond butter is the frontrunner again, once you look more closely at the vitamin and mineral content. It contains nearly three times as much vitamin E, twice as much iron, and seven times more calcium than peanut butter.

Does peanut butter raise cholesterol? ›

Fortunately for everyone who loves peanut butter, almond butter, and other nut butters, these creamy treats are fairly healthy. And as long as they don't contain hydrogenated fat, nut butters — including peanut butter — won't cause problems for your cholesterol levels.

Is peanut butter good for your heart? ›

Helps heart health

Due to its high amount of unsaturated fats, peanut butter may help reduce a person's LDL cholesterol levels. Having optimal LDL levels is linked with a lower risk of heart disease. A 2015 study found that people who had a high intake of nuts may have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease mortality.

What happens to your gut when you eat lots of peanut butter? ›

Peanut butter contains prebiotics which feed beneficial bacteria in the microbiome; however, it's important to keep in mind that consuming too much peanut butter can cause digestive distress. Excessive intake can lead to a build up of gas in the intestines due to its high fiber content.

Does peanut butter cause inflammation? ›

Are peanuts inflammatory? The short answer is no, and in fact, peanuts and some peanut products like peanut butter have been shown to be anti-inflammatory. Inflammation in the body is a mechanism thought to be at the center of the majority of chronic diseases.

References

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