Sunday, February 25, 2007
The Perks of Peanut Butter
The ancient Incas of Peru used peanuts as sacrificial offerings and left peanuts with the dead as food for the afterlife.But they did not have to deal with such modern day mental demons as arachibutyrophobia - the fear of getting peanut butter stuck to the roof of your mouth.
Since its debut in 1904, peanut butter has become one of America's most popular sandwich spreads. Its image is often sullied by its high fat content, but half of that fat is monounsaturated, the kind that helps lower triglycerides, maintain good HDL, and regulate blood insulin levels.
As a plant product, peanut butter contains no cholesterol. Peanut butter is a good source of protein and it supplies niacin, vitamin E, magnesium and phosphorus, plus antioxidants and phytosterols. Morevover, it helps stave off hunger. But do not forget it is high in calories. Be sure you enjoy it in place of high protein foods, not in addition to them.
The peanut is not actually a nut, but like nuts, even traces of this legume can provoke dangerous anaphylactic reactions in people who are allergic.
By law, peanut butter must contain at least 90% peanuts by weight; optional ingredients include salt and sweeteners, as well as oils to prevent separation and improve smoothness. "All natural" peanut butter is 100% peanuts. Store peanut butter at room temperature in a cool place. It is best to keep opened jars of natural peanut butter in the frig to revent rancidity.
Since its debut in 1904, peanut butter has become one of America's most popular sandwich spreads. Its image is often sullied by its high fat content, but half of that fat is monounsaturated, the kind that helps lower triglycerides, maintain good HDL, and regulate blood insulin levels.
As a plant product, peanut butter contains no cholesterol. Peanut butter is a good source of protein and it supplies niacin, vitamin E, magnesium and phosphorus, plus antioxidants and phytosterols. Morevover, it helps stave off hunger. But do not forget it is high in calories. Be sure you enjoy it in place of high protein foods, not in addition to them.
The peanut is not actually a nut, but like nuts, even traces of this legume can provoke dangerous anaphylactic reactions in people who are allergic.
By law, peanut butter must contain at least 90% peanuts by weight; optional ingredients include salt and sweeteners, as well as oils to prevent separation and improve smoothness. "All natural" peanut butter is 100% peanuts. Store peanut butter at room temperature in a cool place. It is best to keep opened jars of natural peanut butter in the frig to revent rancidity.
