Is It OK to Eat Peanut Butter Every Day? 4 Health Benefits (2024)

  • Nutritional Value
  • Health Benefits
    • 4 health benefits of peanut butter
  • Side Effects
    • What happens if you eat too much peanut butter?
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It is OK to eat peanut butter every day, but in moderation. Do not eat more than 2 tablespoons, approximately 32 grams, a day.

This protein-packed spread is made by blending roasted peanuts into a thick paste and contains various nutrients that promote good health. However, you should always check the label for unhealthy ingredients, such as sugar, trans fat, and vegetable oils.

Peanut butter is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including:

  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin B3
  • Vitamin B6
  • Magnesium
  • Manganese
Table: Nutritional value of natural peanut butter (32 grams)
NutrientAmount (in grams)
Calories190
Protein8
Fat16
Carbohydrates7
Fiber3
Sugar1

4 health benefits of peanut butter

  1. Lowers heart disease risk: Oleic acid is one of the main fats in peanut butter, and it helps regulate cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. Keeping these factors under control lowers your risk of developing heart disease. The omega-6 fatty acid content of peanut butter also helps improve good (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels and lowers bad (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels.
  2. Prevents diabetes: Oleic acid helps lower insulin resistance, which is a factor that plays a role in increased sugar levels and the development of diabetes.
  3. Fights free radicals: Antioxidants such as manganese, vitamin E, and resveratrol in peanuts may help counteract the effect of free radicals in the body. Free radicals increase the risk of chronic diseases, including cancer. Eating peanuts can reduce this risk. A study suggests that roasting the peanuts before making peanut butter increases the antioxidant content.
  4. Promotes weight loss: If consumed in moderation and substituted for unhealthy fats, the unsaturated fats in peanut butter can help you in your weight loss journey. The proteins and fiber in peanut butter can help you feel full for longer.

What happens if you eat too much peanut butter?

Eating peanut butter in moderation provides you with wholesome nutrients. However, eating too much can make you gain weight because it is packed with calories and fats. The risk of weight gain increases even more if you consume commercial peanut butter brands, which often have added sugars, oils, and fats.

Peanut allergy

Some people may be allergic to peanuts, including peanut butter. Avoid peanut butter if you have an allergy because an allergic reaction could be life-threatening.

Mineral deficiencies

The high phosphorus content in peanuts can restrict the absorption of other minerals in the body. If you suffer from mineral deficiencies, such as iron deficiency anemia or zinc deficiency, a diet containing phosphorus-rich foods can aggravate these conditions.

Is It OK to Eat Peanut Butter Every Day? 4 Health Benefits (2)

QUESTION

According to the USDA, there is no difference between a “portion” and a “serving.” See Answer

References

Image Source: iStock Images

Natoli S, McCoy P. A review of the evidence: nuts and body weight. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2007;16(4):588-97. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18042516/

Food Data Central. Natural peanut butter. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/718824/nutrients

Is It OK to Eat Peanut Butter Every Day? 4 Health Benefits (2024)

FAQs

Is It OK to Eat Peanut Butter Every Day? 4 Health Benefits? ›

Eating peanut butter in moderation provides you with wholesome nutrients. However, eating too much can make you gain weight because it is packed with calories and fats. The risk of weight gain increases even more if you consume commercial peanut butter brands, which often have added sugars, oils, and fats.

What happens to your body if you eat peanut butter every day? ›

Peanut butter is a concentrated source of nutrition that may offer potential health benefits. One study showed that eating peanuts every day can lower the overall risk of death by up to 21%—and reduces the occurrence of heart disease by 38%.

When not to eat peanut butter? ›

Peanut butter can be a healthy part of a balanced diet—just a small amount packs plenty of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. However, added sugar, salt, and unhealthy oils may make it more of a junk food. And people with peanut or nut allergies may have to avoid it altogether.

What's the healthiest peanut butter to eat? ›

Smucker's Natural Peanut Butter Creamy

Smucker's Natural Peanut Butter came up the most when we asked dietitians for the best peanut butter, particularly because it's economical and meets the dietitians' requirements of being made of just two ingredients: peanuts and salt.

What are the health benefits and risks of peanut butter? ›

Peanut butter is a source of healthy fats. A serving of 2 tbsp has 8.29 g of monounsaturated fats and 4 g of polyunsaturated fats. 2 These fats help support a healthy heart. 4 However, some peanut butters include palm oil, which can increase saturated fat.

Why eat peanut butter before bed? ›

Promotes Quality Sleep

Peanut butter is high in fat, but the majority of that fat is monounsaturated fat, which is healthier for you. When paired with the protein and fibre in peanut butter, these fats can help people feel satiated for longer periods of time, keep their blood sugar steady, and sleep better.

What are the symptoms of eating too much peanut butter? ›

"Eating too much peanut butter in a short time frame can cause people to become more constipated or have stomach aches due to the high amount of fat in a short time frame," Alicia Galvin, RD said. "Fat takes longer to digest and absorb, and peanut butter is mostly fat, so having too much can tax the digestive system."

What is the most unhealthy peanut butter? ›

Below is a list of 13 of some of the worst peanut butter brands and why they should be avoided.
  • Peter Pan Creamy Original Peanut Butter. ...
  • Smucker's Reduced Fat Natural Style Creamy Peanut Butter. ...
  • Jif Reduced Fat Creamy Peanut Butter Spread. ...
  • Great Value Creamy Peanut Butter. ...
  • Peanut Butter & Co.
Feb 7, 2024

Is jif peanut butter healthy to eat every day? ›

Is Jif or Skippy peanut butter healthy? Jif and Skippy peanut butter can both fit into a balanced diet. Like other brands, these peanut butters are a good source of protein, fat, and fiber. However, when possible, it's best to opt for peanut butter varieties that contain fewer ingredients and are free of added sugar.

Is peanut butter bad for cholesterol? ›

Due to its high amount of unsaturated fats, peanut butter may help reduce a person's LDL cholesterol levels. Having optimal LDL levels is linked with a lower risk of heart disease. A 2015 study found that people who had a high intake of nuts may have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease mortality.

What is the number one food that causes high blood pressure? ›

Salty foods. High sodium consumption can elevate blood pressure. Many people eat too much sodium without realizing it. Highly processed foods and fast foods usually contain excessive amounts of sodium, often more than the 2,300 milligrams a person should consume daily.

What is better, almond or peanut butter? ›

Vitamins and minerals

Almond butter is the frontrunner again, once you look more closely at the vitamin and mineral content. It contains nearly three times as much vitamin E, twice as much iron, and seven times more calcium than peanut butter.

Which company is best for peanut butter? ›

Best Overall - Pintola All-Natural Peanut Butter

The Pintola All-Natural Peanut Butter is on the top of our list. It is cholesterol-free and has high fibre. It is unsweetened butter and is also regarded as beneficial in weight loss.

What happens to your gut when you eat lots of peanut butter? ›

Peanut butter contains prebiotics which feed beneficial bacteria in the microbiome; however, it's important to keep in mind that consuming too much peanut butter can cause digestive distress. Excessive intake can lead to a build up of gas in the intestines due to its high fiber content.

How much peanut butter can you safely eat in a day? ›

You can also add this spread to fruit smoothies, oatmeal, muffins, and other dishes for a tasty boost of healthy fats and protein. To avoid exceeding your daily calorie needs, be mindful of portion sizes. For most people, this means sticking to 1–2 tablespoons (16–32 grams) per day.

What happens to your body when you eat peanut butter for breakfast? ›

By adding peanut butter to your breakfast, you add plant-based protein. Protein helps fill you up and plays essential roles in the body, including muscle repair and growth. Peanut butter provides fiber (8% of DV), which is also filling, and it aids in digestion and helps lower cholesterol.

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