Nutritional Facts – Natural Women Health
DescriptionIf you are in the mood to treat your sweet tooth with a special treat, try some peanut butter. This is one of America’s greatest indulgences, whether it is for breakfast dessert, or snacks throughout the day. Peanut butter has many varieties, some of which may be substituted for regular butter. You can use this spread to make a sandwich, cook a stew, or create your own ice cream.
DescriptionThe word “butter” actually comes from the Greek word “peanut” which means nut. Peanut butter is simply a solid food spread or paste made from dry-roasted, ground peanuts. It commonly has other added ingredients that alter the taste or consistency, including sugar, salt, or emulsifiers.
History peanuts have been part of human diet for hundreds of years, dating back to Ancient Egypt. In fact, early man would wrap nuts in banana leaves and grind them up to make very strong, smooth peanut butter. Ancient Greece and Rome were awash with peanut consumption, though they were not the first to use it as a tasty snack. Wikipedia
DescriptionThis popular nut has a unique history that is almost as fascinating as peanuts themselves. Early man was of course, able to enjoy the nut’s amazing fat content. Because of this, the earliest form of peanut butter was created from peanuts and Date Nut oil. This earliest form contained more saturated fats than the modern version. However, in today’s world, most peanut butter on the market is now mostly reduced fat.
UsageA peanut butter and jelly sandwich are almost universally known and loved. The classic sandwich is still popular, however a whole slew of different variations have come along, including the French toast. A Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich can be spread with peanut butter and jelly on crackers, English muffins, English scones, or even cereal. Another popular alternative is to use it as a spread for sandwiches such as chicken salad (coated with olive oil and served on lettuce) and tuna salad (coated with tuna oil, honey, lemon juice, and served on lettuce). On the plate, it could also be accompanied by cheese and mayonnaise.
Health BenefitsThe butter’s fat content provides plenty of dietary fiber, which helps to lower cholesterol levels. Because it contains high levels of antioxidants, including Vitamin E, this butter has been proven to be healthy for those with heart disease. These include people who have just undergone cardiac rehabilitation and those with angina. Nuts have also been proven to lower cholesterol, help with weight control, and provide a number of other health benefits.
Cost EffectiveThis popular spread is almost always a cost-effective choice. For example, there are many brands of peanut butter that are extremely reasonably priced. Even cheaper brands are available if the retailer has a sale. Often, a jar of this butter will last for nearly two months – and since it’s cheap, it’s worth the price. When buying in bulk, retailers can save even more money.
DisadvantagesWhile there aren’t a major (and important) disadvantage to using peanut butter spread, some people do notice a taste change when eating it. It is best to eat this butter straight out of the jar, or after the sugar has had time to settle. Otherwise, the peanut butter will have an overpowering flavor. Also, the heat from the kitchen can occasionally weaken the shelf life of this popular peanut butter product. This is not a major issue and usually only occurs when the butter has been sitting for quite a while. If stored properly, peanut butter will last for up to two years.
InjuriesA word of warning: Peanut Butter is high in calories. Therefore, this may be a dieter’s best choice. However, those watching their weight may want to consider including this item in their diet in order to help them lose weight. Peanut butter is also a high fat food. Due to this, those with high blood pressure or high cholesterol should not eat too much peanut butter spreads. In addition, this may raise the cholesterol in a person who is suffering from this condition, so those with concerns about their health should check with their doctor before including this versatile spread ingredient into their diet.
Other UsesThe use of peanut butter spread goes beyond the kitchen. The rich flavor of this spread is often added to cookies and other baked goods to create yummy treats. One could also try microwaving a small amount of this butter for a delicious and nutritious dessert. This is a great way to save money on your grocery bill as well. Since peanut butter is made up of 80 percent butter, it makes sense to buy this item in smaller sizes than you would other types of butter.
There are several ways in which peanut butter spread can be used. Before considering its uses though, one must consider its ingredients. While peanut butter can be used to help a person lose weight and keep it off, it is high in calories and fat. Its best use though is to simply enjoy all of its amazing taste and nutritional value. Anyone who eats peanut butter on a regular basis would never consider it unhealthy.