Confessions From a Peanut Butter Fanatic
- Date: 2007-03-31 - Word Count: 440
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I can't exactly explain what it is about peanut butter that I love so much… the taste, the texture, the little reminders of childhood when I bite into a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. But, I do realize that I am one of very few. Most adults can't stand peanut butter and even more adults are allergic to peanuts… thus leaving a small percentage of adults that do like peanut butter, and an even smaller percentage that are complete fanatics. I go beyond just being a fan… I'm completely addicted.
If we run out of peanut butter in my household, which actually happened recently, I am not a fun mother to be around. I go into complete peanut butter withdrawal. I crave peanut butter like smokers crave nicotine. It's quite possibly the best, most versatile food. I can eat it in sandwiches, on crackers, celery… with a spoon, you name it.
What is even better is that peanut butter is available in so many varieties. You can get chunky or creamy, whole fat or low fat, standard or all-natural… so many choices! Unfortunately, there was a recent peanut butter scare that involved some tainted jars of peanut butter and I worry that it's giving the old peanut butter a bad name.
So, being the kind woman that I am, I'm doing a sort of community service here. Peanut butter is still King! It is one of the best yummy, yet healthy, treats for adults and children. In fact, according to the Journal of American College of Nutrition, eating 2 tablespoons of peanut butter directly from the jar (which is something I happen to do quite often) may be a healthy habit! Peanut butter has many essential vitamins and nutrients, such as vitamins A and E, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron and fiber.
In addition, scientific evidence suggests that eating peanuts (even in peanut butter) may reduce the risk of heart disease when limited to 1.5 ounces per day and combined with a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol. In 2002, a Harvard Study showed that women who ate peanut butter and nuts had a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.
Unfortunately, especially for me, peanut butter is high in fat content and can therefore lead to weight gain if eaten in excess. So I am forced to limit myself on peanut butter overindulgence. But, it doesn't mean that I enjoy my favorite all-time snack any less. In fact, the benefits of eating peanut butter, the healthy ones and the tasty ones, far outweigh the fat issue and the fact that I have to limit myself. Everything in moderation…
If we run out of peanut butter in my household, which actually happened recently, I am not a fun mother to be around. I go into complete peanut butter withdrawal. I crave peanut butter like smokers crave nicotine. It's quite possibly the best, most versatile food. I can eat it in sandwiches, on crackers, celery… with a spoon, you name it.
What is even better is that peanut butter is available in so many varieties. You can get chunky or creamy, whole fat or low fat, standard or all-natural… so many choices! Unfortunately, there was a recent peanut butter scare that involved some tainted jars of peanut butter and I worry that it's giving the old peanut butter a bad name.
So, being the kind woman that I am, I'm doing a sort of community service here. Peanut butter is still King! It is one of the best yummy, yet healthy, treats for adults and children. In fact, according to the Journal of American College of Nutrition, eating 2 tablespoons of peanut butter directly from the jar (which is something I happen to do quite often) may be a healthy habit! Peanut butter has many essential vitamins and nutrients, such as vitamins A and E, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron and fiber.
In addition, scientific evidence suggests that eating peanuts (even in peanut butter) may reduce the risk of heart disease when limited to 1.5 ounces per day and combined with a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol. In 2002, a Harvard Study showed that women who ate peanut butter and nuts had a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.
Unfortunately, especially for me, peanut butter is high in fat content and can therefore lead to weight gain if eaten in excess. So I am forced to limit myself on peanut butter overindulgence. But, it doesn't mean that I enjoy my favorite all-time snack any less. In fact, the benefits of eating peanut butter, the healthy ones and the tasty ones, far outweigh the fat issue and the fact that I have to limit myself. Everything in moderation…
Related Tags: peanuts, peanut butter, healthy peanut butter
Liz Smith is the Program Manager of ModernSage.com, a leading women's health and wellness community offering New Traditions for Living Well. Looking for some health and wellness camaraderie? Blog with Liz at ModernSageOnline.com
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