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.

Is it healthy to eat peanut butter every day? ›

Yes, it's OK to eat peanut butter every day (in moderation), says Largeman-Roth. That means sticking to the recommended serving size of two tablespoons, or close to that amount.

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 happens to your body when you eat peanuts every day? ›

Peanuts help prevent heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels. They can also stop small blood clots from forming and reduce your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Foods with a lot of protein can help you feel full with fewer calories.

How many scoops of peanut butter should I eat a day? ›

For most people, this means sticking to 1–2 tablespoons (16–32 grams) per day. Visually, 1 tablespoon (16 grams) is about the size of your thumb, while 2 (32 grams) is about the size of a golf ball. Opt for peanut butter that contains no added sugar and has a simple ingredient list, such as peanuts and salt.

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.

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 is the healthiest nut to eat? ›

Most nuts appear to be generally healthy. But some may have more heart-healthy nutrients than others. For example, walnuts contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Almonds, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts and pecans also appear to be quite heart healthy.

What are the side effects 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."

Is peanut butter anti-inflammatory? ›

Linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid found in peanuts, has been shown to reduce inflammation and is therefore seen as anti-inflammatory. In fact, the 2009 American Heart Association Advisory Panel recommended that Americans include omega-6 in their diets, citing its anti-inflammatory benefits.

What is the best time to eat peanut butter? ›

If you eat your breakfast between 6am to 10am, which is the period of Kapha dosha as per Ayureda as it's oily and fatty, you should avoid having peanut butter at the time. It's more suitable to have the delicious spread after gymming or any other time of the day," says Dr Nitika Kohli in her recent Instagram post.

Is 4 tablespoons of peanut butter a day too much? ›

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.

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 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.

Does peanut butter raise cholesterol? ›

Fortunately for everyone who loves peanut butter, almond butter, and other nut butters, these creamy treats are fairly healthy. And as long as they don't contain hydrogenated fat, nut butters — including peanut butter — won't cause problems for your cholesterol levels.

What are the benefits of eating peanut butter everyday for skin? ›

Peanut butter contains lutein, an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from sun damage by blocking ultraviolet rays before they can cause harm. The antioxidants in peanut butter can help soothe skin irritation and reduce inflammation that often accompanies skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.

What is better, almond or peanut butter? ›

Peanut butter has higher saturated fats, which should be taken in moderation. Almond butter, on the contrary, has more monounsaturated fats that are thought to be heart-healthy and can contribute to lowering harmful cholesterol levels. These fats are high in energy and help in the digestion of fat-soluble vitamins.

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