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? ›

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Most peanut butter is made with palm oil which is high in saturated fats and also contains sugar," Heather Fowler CIHC, IWHC said. "Foods high in saturated fats, when eaten in large quantities over time could have negative [effects] on health such as high cholesterol, diabetes, and heart disease."

Foods high in salt or added sugars — such as soda and caffeinated drinks, baked goods, and many packaged foods — can contribute to high blood pressure. Limiting or replacing these foods in the diet can help people manage or lower their blood pressure.

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.

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 are the side effects of eating too much peanut butter? ›

Eating too much peanut butter at one time can cause stomach discomfort and bloating. This is especially common in people who are not used to eating a lot of peanuts or peanut butter. Consuming large amounts of peanut butter can irritate the lining of the stomach, which can lead to the development of ulcers.

So, including peanuts or peanut butter as a nutritious addition to your diet can be done without guilt or breaking “the diet” bank, when eaten in the right portions. The recommended daily servings are a handful of peanuts (1-2 ounces depending on your size) or 2 tablespoons of peanut butter.

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.

Arginine helps to detoxify the liver by neutralizing the effects of ammonia and other toxic substances in the body. Peanuts have the highest level of arginine among foods (USDA SR-21).

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.

Peanut butter is high in fat and calories

Therefore, it's a great food for a healthy, balanced diet, but large amounts may increase your daily calorie intake. If you consume more calories than you burn throughout the day, you may gain weight in the long run ( 3 ).

Bearing in mind its caloric density and the general health advice to eat one ounce of nuts daily, it's wise to keep your peanut butter consumption to about two tablespoons per day.

Eating too much peanut butter at one time can cause stomach discomfort and bloating. This is especially common in people who are not used to eating a lot of peanuts or peanut butter. Consuming large amounts of peanut butter can irritate the lining of the stomach, which can lead to the development of ulcers.