Contributed by Angela Cleveland

Peanut butter is an item found in most households. Aside from those with allergic reactions, many people have enjoyed the taste of peanut butter since they were children. Peanut butter isn’t just for kids – and it’s not just for toast!

Recent studies have shown that peanut butter is heart healthy and helps to reduce obesity. Peanut butter is also high in protein, fiber, unsaturated fat, niacin, folic acid, vitamin E, magnesium, copper, zinc, and phosphorus. This is great news for us peanut butter lovers – but remember, the key is to not overdo it.

Peanut butter does not contain any cholesterol, but it does contain fat. However, it is the type of fat that is essential in our diets: monounsaturated fat. This type of fat helps to increase the “good” cholesterol and lower the “bad” cholesterol.

With all the different types of peanut butter out there, it can get confusing. When purchasing peanut butter, try to stick with the natural varieties – those without the added fat, sugar, and salt. Most brands of natural peanut butter do not contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, which is believed to increase the risk of heart disease and cancer. In peanut butter, this type of oil is used as a stabilizer. So, to keep your natural peanut butter fresh and nutritious, always keep it in the fridge.

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