Amy Forsyth
808.783.2558
amy@honolulupersonaltrainer.com
The Truth About Peanut Butter
The Truth About Peanut Butter
February 11, 2010 No Comments on The Truth About Peanut ButterIt is amazing how little most people know when it comes to the facts about nutrition and exercise. I mean, we all eat every day, usually several times a day. Everyone should be an expert! Part of the problem is that researchers and doctors don’t always agree. The other part of the problem is the “science” spread everywhere by people who declare themselves experts with no training or background knowledge.
Misinformation is everywhere. I was reading through the comments after a New York Times article the other day and a reader declared in his post that in order to improve the health of the nation’s children, no one should eat any fatty, unhealthy peanut butter. Instead, people should switch to macadamia nut butter. I know that the comment section is not always the best place to find reliable information, but this kind of reckless declaration, misinterpretation of research, or just plain falsehood is common.
The actual truth of the matter is that the majority of the fats found in BOTH peanut and macadamia nut butters are monounsaturated, the healthy fats that work to lower total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Consuming small amounts of these types of fats can actually help weight management because they take longer to digest than other nutrients, such as carbohydrates, and will leave you feeling fuller longer. And if you compare the two nut butters side by side, a 2 tablespoon serving of macadamia nut butter actually has more fat and calories than the size serving of peanut butter (230 calories and 24 grams of fat, compared to 200 calories and 16 grams of fat).
Does this mean that macadamia nut butter is unhealthy? No, but it should illustrate that nut butters are extremely nutrient dense and should be consumed in moderation. It’s easy to pack 4 or more tablespoons of peanut butter onto a sandwich. I think understanding portion size would improve people’s health more than demonizing fat.
I will be posting nutrition and fitness information here you can trust to be as well researched and accurate as possible. Please come back to see what’s new or contact me with questions about my personal training services at amy@honolulupersonaltrainer.com or (808) 783-2558.
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