It’s funny how a random social media post can spark a conversation that warrants a blog post…lol!
Is Peanut Butter “bad” for our health? Why are so many health-conscious people switching to other nut butters?
If I said that peanuts are not technically a nut because they are a legume, you might be thinking, “So what…? Aren’t legumes (beans) supposed to be a healthy source of protein…?” True…so the fact that they are not a nut isn’t actually the problem.
PROBLEM #1:
The problem lies in how they are grown and stored. Peanuts are susceptible to a particular kind of mold that causes a toxin called “aflatoxin”. Aflatoxin is a highly toxic carcinogenic. That means it causes cancer! The liver is the main organ targeted by aflatoxins. Long term exposure to low doses of aflatoxins can cause serious health problems.
PROBLEM #2:
Peanuts are high in Omega 6 fatty acids. In excess, Omega 6 fatty acids can cause the body to produce pro-inflammatory chemicals. These types of fats are found in many vegetable oils such as: corn oil, soybean oil, and sunflower oil. These can contribute to the growth of prostate tumor cells and increase the risk of developing high blood pressure in people with diabetes.
SOLUTION:
A healthier solution would be to eat tree nuts rather than peanuts and use nut butters such as almond or cashew rather than peanut butter. Nuts and seeds can be a fantastic “grab & go” snack that are packed with protein and Omega 3 fatty acids. To put it simply….Omega 3’s help our heart, brain, and body function well and protect us from disease. Of course, it would take another blog post to list all of the benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids for our health!
RAW OVER ROASTED:
When enjoying nuts and seeds, opt for raw rather than roasted. There are many healthy fats in raw nuts such as almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, pumpkin seeds, etc. When roasted, the healthy fats become oxidized. Although raw nut butters can be more difficult to find, I often purchase raw almond butter from Trader Joe. I love making a trail mix with raw cashews, almonds, hazelnuts, and dried wolfberries (aka: goji berries.)
As a side note….Wolfberries contain a compound called Ellagic Acid which can de-activate the cancer causing aflatoxin!
Want to chat more about healthy snacks and the health benefits of Wolfberries!?? Make sure you click below!
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