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Health Effects of Peanut Butter

Peanut butter, at times, suffers a health backlash. A series of food recalls can lead to food scares, which lead people away from any food that contains peanuts. Peanut butter, however, can have positive health effects, too.

  1. Type 2 Diabetes

    • Consumption of peanut butter may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health followed 83,818 women without a history of diabetes. After looking at the women’s food intake, the researchers found that the higher intakes of peanut butter resulted in a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The study, which was published in the November 2002 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, suggests that peanuts protect against diabetes because of its low glycemic index and good content of fiber and magnesium. To avoid the extra calories from peanut butter, simply replace calories from meat or refined grains with peanut butter.

    Prevents Weight Gain

    • It’s true that peanut butter is fairly nutrient dense. But, consuming more peanut butter may influence your health by preventing weight gain. Peanut butter provides a synergistic combination of protein and fiber that may help people feel full, preventing the consuming of excess calories, the National Peanut Board says. For a filling snack, try a peanut butter sandwich or an apple topped with peanut butter.

    Coronary Heart Disease

    • Peanut butter consumption may also decrease the chance of developing coronary heart disease. Peanut butter protects against heart disease by reducing blood levels of low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, cholesterol and triglycerides, according to The Peanut Institute. To further boost heart health, peanut butter provides a rich source of vitamin E and folate, two vitamins known to reduce risks of heart disease. Peanut butter also contains resveratrol, the antioxidant responsible for the heart health benefits of red wine, whfoods.org says.

    Food Allergies

    • Unfortunately, more than 3 million Americans are allergic to the peanuts in peanut butter or tree nuts, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. With peanut allergies, the body produces the antibody IgE (Immunoglobulin E) when peanuts or peanut butter is consumed. This antibody produces allergic reactions like hives, diarrhea and, in severe cases, anaphylaxis--a reaction that may cause breathing troubles and loss of consciousness. People with the allergy must avoid any contact with peanuts.

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