Peanut Butter Benefits

Peanut Butter Benefits | Kids Health

Understanding Peanut Butter Health Benefits for Kids

Peanut butter is loved by many children and is one of the most loved consumable food out there. It has exceeded its functionality limits beyond being a sandwich or bread spread and became an essential component for some palatable goods. More than these, what is impressive about peanut butter is that it holds exclusive health perks for its consumers. So, why not take advantage of it through consumption and by introducing them to your kids? Here is the list of the things that you have to know about peanut butter.

Peanut Butter Benefits | Kids Health

What is its Prominent Healthy Content?

1. Protein

Peanut butter is one of the suitable sources of plant-based protein. It has around 23 to 30% of protein along with other advantageous amino acids.

2. Fiber and Carbohydrates

The complex carbohydrates present in this food contain a low glycemic index. So, it won’t affect one’s blood sugar level. As highly fibrous food, it makes one feel full, lessening the frequent and unnecessary food consumption.

3. Nutrition

This groundnut provides lots of energy and nutrients. With that, it is no wonder that many people (travelers, explorers, etc.) during the older days would use it as one source of energy-booster and nutrient-provided food. Mind you, though peanut is nutritious, it is also relatively high in calories. Hence, this won’t be a good alternative for those who would like to lose some weight.

Peanut Butter Benefits | Kids Health

What are the Specific Health Benefits of Peanut Butter

1. Antioxidants

Fighting against oxidative stress is one of the prime functions of antioxidants. The good thing about this food is that it is high in this content, specifically the resveratrol. When a high amount of this is taken, one is spared from specific conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and other heart diseases.

2. Cancer Buster

A study conducted about the effects of this legume discovered that at least three times nut consumption could make one less exposed to the risks of colorectal cancer. More so, further studies prevailed that preteen girls are protected from the possible development of breast cancer.

Peanut Butter Benefits | Kids Health

3. Heart Protector

Studies from the United States and African region reveal that consumption of this legume in a large population leads to a lower risk of heart diseases. Better yet, the peanut can reduce the number or percentage of morbidity caused by heart ailments.

4. Brain Health

Vitamin E and B vitamins and unsaturated fats present in peanuts are ideal in boosting overall brain health. It targets the cognition, memory, and recall functions of the brain. More so, brainwave analysis also showed that those who consume peanuts might take advantage of sound sleep, a more robust immune system, and the body’s healing mechanisms.

Peanut Butter Benefits | Kids Health

What to Consider in Buying Peanut Butter?

1. Sugar

Choose those peanut butter that does not include any “added sugar.” Sugar is added to give a new sweet taste, but it does not positively contribute to peanut’s health effects. By doing so, you could avoid conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, heart ailments, and obesity.

2. Salt

Go for the unsalted version of peanut butter to avoid the consumption of sodium. If you wish, you can also process and produce your peanut butter at home if you would like to be sure that a healthy amount of salt will be added.

Peanut Butter Benefits | Kids Health

3. Oil and genetically Modified Ingredients

Added oils may be added to some commercialized peanut butter. When these are consumed in large amounts, these could lead to possible heart ailments. To combat this, go for the natural brands which state “no-stir” peanut butter or those that have palm oil as added oil. Some peanut butter out there is also using genetically modified crops, which may also adversely affect one’s health.

4. Aflatoxins

Aflatoxins are produced by fungi situated in humid areas. Groundnuts have now become more susceptible to this kind of toxins. This then can lead to possible cancer-related ailments. Famous brands of peanut butter are a good choice if you would like to be sure of fewer risks of these toxins.

5. Pesticides

There are about eight conventional pesticides found in this food. The only way to avoid this is to go for organic brands. This could save you a lot from the possible adverse effects of pesticides.

Peanut Butter Benefits | Kids Health

Possible Allergic Reaction

The allergy may not be caused by the peanut itself but by its gone through. Studies and medical experts suggest that introducing peanuts to children could prevent them from developing peanut allergies as they grow old as early as four to six months old. As to the elders now who happened to have developed an allergic reaction to peanuts, it is recommended that you skip getting rid of it to be safe.

Peanut butter brings numerous health advantages. For as long as you are meticulous about its ingredients along with the process of how it was produced, then you have nothing to worry about.