National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day

Peanut butter is popular in our United States.  Basically, there is peanut butter in 9 out of 10 households.

Peanut butter is a delicious and healthy food for most of us.  If you are one of the estimated 6.1 million people with a peanut allergy you of course have to find other healthy alternatives.*

You will find that peanut butter has good nutrients for our bodies.  These include Vitamin E, Niacin (B3), Manganese, Vitamin B6 and Magnesium.

Additionally, if you are looking for protein, peanut butter is a good source.  It also contains both soluble and insoluble fiber good for our digestion.

There are actually four types of peanuts that are used to make peanut butter.

• Runners – 85% of peanut butter is made by these plentiful nuts
• Virginia – the largest kernels.  Sold also for eating peanuts out of hand from the shell
• Spanish – smaller kernels and very good for use in candy
• Valencia – very sweet, often boiled and the best to make natural peanut butter

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are not the only way to enjoy it.  As you can see, you can find many recipes for adding peanut butter to your diet.

• Try eating an apple with peanut butter
• Add chocolate protein powder and peanut butter to almond milk and make a protein shake
• Don’t chocolate and peanut butter energy balls sound good (no cooking involved)
• Toast a slice of whole wheat bread and add some peanut butter and bananas

When you shop be sure to check labels.  Some peanut butter can be high in sodium and other additives.  You want to try and buy the best to get good health benefits.  

Eating peanut butter in moderation is important too.  Peanut butter can be high in calories and likewise in fat so keep a balance with other foods.

Private Home Health Care loves peanut butter and the healthy nutrients we get.  We try different kinds including naturally made peanut butters.  We hope you find what is best for you.

*2018-2019 data from FoodAllergy.org