Peanut Butter: Benefits and Damage to the Body

Peanut butter is not only tasty and nutritious, but also a very useful product. It is used for the treatment and prevention of many diseases, which is possible due to its rich composition and naturalness of the raw materials used for the production of this product.

Peanut butter is made from peanuts. It was first made in the 19th century in the United States of America, from where it spread throughout the world. To date, this product is popular not only in America, but also in South Africa, China, Nigeria, Canada, Australia and many other countries.

What is the difference between peanut butter and pasta

Many people mistakenly believe that peanut butter and peanut butter are two identical products. In fact, they have only a few distinctive characteristics:

• the processing of raw materials used for cooking;
• taste of the finished product.

Both peanut butter and pasta are made from peanuts. In the process of making pasta, peanuts are crushed to produce fine crumbs. During this process, the nuts secrete oils that allow the peanut butter to acquire a creamy consistency. The taste characteristics of the finished product depend on how finely the nuts are ground.

Peanut butter is made by cold pressing. This product has a bright peanut flavor mixed with spices. It will be a great addition to a variety of desserts, ideal for dressing salads and cooking marinade.

Composition and calorie content

The rich composition of peanut butter allows you to use this product not only to improve the taste characteristics of ready meals, but also for the treatment and prevention of common diseases.

100 g of peanut butter contain:

• 1.48 g of water;
• 11.99 g of carbohydrates;
• 5.7 g of dietary fiber;
• 51.47 g of fat;
• 26.06 g of protein;
• 3.3 g of ash;
• 3.05 g sugar.

100 g of this product contain a large amount of vitamins, including:

• 1172 mcg retinol;
• 43.2 mg of vitamin E;
• 0.5 mcg of vitamin K;
• 0.13 mg vitamin B1;
• 0.12 mg of vitamin B2;
• 2.53 mg of vitamin B6;
• 313 mcg of vitamin B9;
• 92 mcg folate;
• 221 mcg of folic acid;
• 13.64 mg of vitamin PP;
• 61.1 mg of vitamin B4;
• 1 mg betaine.

Peanut butter contains a large amount of saturated and unsaturated acids. 100 g of product contains:

• 0.02 g of lauric acid;
• 0.05 g of myristic acid;
• 5.68 g of palmitic acid;
• 2.21 g of stearic acid;
• 23.73 g of oleic acid;
• 0.64 g of gadoleic acid;
• 14.57 g of linoleic acid;
• 0.08 g of linolenic acid.

100 g of peanut butter contain the following micro and macro elements:

• 744 mg of potassium;
• 316 mg of phosphorus;
• 45 mg of calcium;
• 366 mg sodium;
• 370 mg of magnesium;
• 17.5 mg of iron;
• 1.77 mg of copper;
• 7.5 μg of selenium.

Peanut butter is a high quality product. Its 100 g contains 593 kcal, which explains the restrictions on the amount of its consumption.

What is useful peanut butter

General benefit

Due to its rich composition, peanut oil can have a beneficial effect on the human body. With regular use, this product will help:

1. Prevent the development of heart and vascular diseases and improve the general condition of the patient, if any.
2. Deal with diathesis.
3. Improve the gallbladder.
4. Prevent stagnation of bile.
5. Increase hemoglobin, preventing the development of severe anemia.
6. Normalize blood sugar levels, which is especially important for those people who suffer from diabetes.
7. Prevent the destruction of liver cells and accelerate their recovery.
8. Increase visual acuity.
9. To improve the functioning of the central nervous system, preventing the development of depressive, apathetic conditions and other disorders.
10. Improve kidney function.
11. Increase potency.
12. Withdraw accumulations of bad cholesterol.
13. Restore the body after serious illness.
14. Get rid of extra pounds.

This is not the whole list of useful properties of peanut butter. This unique product is able to positively affect the entire body, improving the overall well-being of a person, saturating him with a lot of energy and vitamins.

For women

Peanut butter can have a unique effect on the female body. The regular use of this useful product will help the fair half of humanity cope with disorders caused by serious hormonal disorders. Substances that make up peanut butter are able to restore the menstrual cycle and normalize the female reproductive system.

Peanut butter is a product that will help preserve the female beauty for many years. Its internal use and the use of cosmetics, which it includes, will help:

• increase the elasticity of the skin;
• moisturize the skin;
• strengthen hair and nails;
• prevent the formation of facial and age wrinkles;
• accelerate cell regeneration.

Modern women often face stresses, which, in turn, can negatively affect the health of the whole organism. Peanut butter will help reduce their effects by acting positively on the nervous system. The substances that are present in this product have a mild sedative effect, relieving irritability, nervousness and normalizing sleep patterns.

For men

Doctors recommend not to refuse peanut butter and representatives of a strong half of humanity. With regular use, this product is capable of:

1. Strengthen bone tissue and joints. Hard working men often experience bone and joint diseases. Their development can be prevented by introducing peanut butter in the daily menu.
2. Build muscle mass. Due to its composition, peanut butter will help build muscle mass, which makes it an indispensable product for athletes.
3. Increase potency. With the regular use of this unique product, men note an increase in potency.
4. Normalize testosterone production. Poor production of this hormone will lead to disturbances in the work of the entire male body and the development of a number of diseases. To prevent this and normalize the production of testosterone will help the regular use of peanut butter.
5. Prevent hair loss. Biotin, which is part of this unique product, helps to awaken dormant hair follicles and activate them, preventing the development of complete baldness.
6. Reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. According to statistics, heart and vascular diseases are more often diagnosed in men than in women. Normalize the work of the cardiovascular system and prevent the development of pathological processes by using regular peanut butter.

It is worth noting the fact that peanut butter is able to show all its beneficial properties only with proper consumption. In excessive quantities, this product can lead to the development of obesity and other unpleasant consequences.

During pregnancy

According to experienced doctors, peanut butter can also have a beneficial effect on the body of a pregnant woman. Due to its composition, this product is able not only to saturate the body of a future mother with a large amount of vitamins, but also:

1. Help cope with manifestations of early and late toxicosis. The acids and vitamins that make up this product make it a great antioxidant. According to doctors, this allows the use of peanut butter as a natural remedy for nausea and vomiting, the cause of which is toxicosis.
2. Prevent the development of anemia. During childbearing, many women experience a sharp decrease in hemoglobin. Regular use of peanut butter will help increase it and prevent the development of anemia.
3. Improve the psycho-emotional state. Natural changes in the hormonal background of a pregnant woman can cause severe nervousness, nervous strain, the development of depressive states and other disorders in the central nervous system. Daily consumption of peanut butter will help reduce the load on the nervous system of a pregnant woman and improve the emotional state.
4. Maintain an attractive appearance. During pregnancy, a common problem is deterioration of complexion, dry skin, thinning and brittle hair, nails. Peanut oil will prevent the development of such problems.

However, there is no need to talk about the complete safety of this product. Peanut butter is a strong allergen and can cause a rash, swelling of the mucous membranes, severe itching, and other unpleasant symptoms. Therefore, this product should be consumed in strictly limited quantities. Moreover, in the event of one or more allergy symptoms, it should be completely excluded from the daily menu. Otherwise, there is a risk of anaphylactic shock, which poses a direct danger not only to health, but also to human life.

When breastfeeding

Doctors allow the introduction of peanut butter in the daily diet of a nursing mother, but only after the child reaches the age of three months. You can talk about the benefits of the product only if the child and the nursing mother do not have negative reactions caused by their consumption.

With normal tolerance, peanut butter will help:

• improve the quality and quantity of breast milk;
• cope with the manifestations of postpartum depression;
• prevent the development of anemia in both the mother and the child;
• to form a good acquired immunity in a newborn child;
• improve metabolic processes;
• prevent the development of colds and other diseases, increasing the immunity of a young mother;
• remove accumulations of toxins, toxins and bad cholesterol;
• increase brain activity;
• recover from childbirth.

For kids

No less useful is peanut oil in childhood. With regular use, this product will help improve the child’s immune system, saturate with vitamins necessary for normal functioning and development of the child’s body, prevent a sharp decrease in visual acuity and reduce the risk of childhood obesity. In addition, peanut oil can protect your baby from many dangerous diseases, including cancer, diabetes and anemia.

With systematic administration, an increase in the mental and physical activity of the child is also noted. This is especially important for schoolchildren and those children who are actively involved in sports.

However, despite its many beneficial properties, peanut butter should be added to the baby’s daily diet with extreme caution. Pediatricians strongly do not recommend doing this before the child reaches the age of four. Otherwise, there is a risk of developing a serious allergic reaction, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and other undesirable consequences.

When losing weight

According to experienced nutritionists, peanut butter can help get rid of extra pounds. However, due to the high calorie content of the product, the daily intake should not exceed 40 g. At the same time, the rest of the food products included in the diet menu should contain a minimum amount of fat.

Nutritionists draw the attention of their patients to the fact that if the recommendations are not followed, namely the recommended amount and calorie content of other products, the desired result will not work. In addition, excessive consumption of peanut butter will lead not only to weight gain, but also to a deterioration in overall well-being.

How to take peanut butter for medicinal purposes

Traditional medicine uses peanut butter to treat and prevent many diseases. According to traditional healers, formulations prepared on the basis of this product will help to cope with many problems.

Cardiovascular diseases

For the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis and other disorders in the cardiovascular system, it is recommended to undergo a fourteen-day course of treatment with a drug prepared from such components:

• 1 small head of garlic;
• 25 ml of alcohol;
• 20 ml peanut butter.

Pour peeled garlic with alcohol and leave in a dark, cool place for 14 days. After a specified period of time, strain the mixture, then pour peanut butter into it.

Take the drug before going to bed, 5 ml.

Disorders in the endocrine system

To normalize the level of sugar in the blood and cope with other diseases of the endocrine system, you should eat 2.5 ml of peanut butter on an empty stomach twice a day. In this case, the course of treatment should be exactly 21 days.

Depression, nervousness and other disorders of the nervous system

To normalize the functioning of the central nervous system, healers recommend taking a composition of such components:

• 20 ml peanut butter;
• 20 ml peppermint oil;
• 100 ml of chamomile broth.

Mix the ingredients in the indicated amounts and take the resulting mixture of 5 ml three times a day 60 minutes before meals. The course of treatment is 21 days.

Hepatosis of the liver

To cope with this disease, mix:

• 10 ml peanut butter;
• 200 ml of kefir with a low percentage of fat content.
• Use the resulting mixture before going to bed for 14 days.

Pay attention to the fact that this composition can be used to prevent certain diseases of the biliary tract and disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.

Anemia

Peanut butter can increase hemoglobin in the blood. For this, only 20 ml of the product should be included in the daily diet.

Conjunctivitis

To treat conjunctivitis, healers recommend consuming 5 ml of peanut oil every evening. The course of treatment is 21 days.

Eczema

Peanut oil is used externally to treat eczema. To cope with the manifestations of this disease, a composition prepared from such components will help:

• 10 ml peanut butter;
• 10 ml of olive oil;
• 200 ml of St. John's wort and calendula infusion.

Combine all ingredients and leave for 30–35 minutes. After the specified period of time, strain the infusion and wipe it with affected areas of the skin 2-3 times a day for 21 days.

Psoriasis

To cope with psoriasis, a drug prepared from such components will be able to:

• 100 g of fat;
• 10 ml peanut butter;
• 10 ml peppermint oil;
• 10 ml of lavender oil.

Melt lard, add the remaining ingredients to it and mix thoroughly. Apply the resulting mixture to the affected skin in the form of compresses for 20 days. The compress holding time can be adjusted independently.

Skilled doctors allow the use of folk remedies for the treatment of certain diseases. However, self-medication is not recommended, as it can cause a deterioration in the general condition and the development of concomitant diseases. To prevent such consequences, consult your doctor before using one of the above funds.Only a qualified specialist will be able to assess the appropriateness of its use and identify the presence of contraindications.

Peanut Butter in Cosmetology

Due to its unique composition, peanut oil is widely used for the preparation of cosmetics. With their regular use, it is noted:

• alignment of the color of the skin;
• increase skin elasticity;
• getting rid of minor facial and age wrinkles;
• hair strengthening;
• getting rid of dark circles under the eyes;
• return of natural shine and acceleration of hair growth.

Beauticians note that today there are a huge number of recipes for cosmetics based on peanut butter. However, only a few of them show effectiveness.

Recipe 1
To improve the condition of dry skin and moisturize it will be able to mask, for the preparation of which it is necessary:

• 5 ml peanut butter;
• 10 ml of natural sour cream.

Mix the ingredients in the indicated amounts, apply on the skin of the face and soak for 20 minutes. After the specified time, rinse off the mask with cool water, without using soap and other means for washing.

Recipe 2
To remove the oily sheen and remove inflammation from the skin of the oily type, a mask of the following components can:

• 2.5 ml peanut butter;
• 1 egg white;
• 5 ml of lemon juice.

Mix the ingredients in any container of suitable size and apply the resulting mixture to your face with a cotton swab. Soak the mask for no more than 15 minutes, then rinse with water of a comfortable temperature and wipe the skin with any lotion.

Recipe 3
A mixture of the following components will be able to remove inflammatory processes and prevent the appearance of various rashes:

• 5 ml peanut butter;
• 50 ml of chamomile decoction;
• 50 ml of nettle broth.

Apply the resulting composition to the skin of the face and neck, soak for about 15 minutes, then rinse.

Recipe 4
Dry hair can be improved with a mask made from the following ingredients:

• 30 ml peanut butter;
• 1 egg yolk;
• 200 ml of sour cream with a high percentage of fat content.

Mix the ingredients in the indicated amounts, mix thoroughly and apply over the entire length of the hair for 60 minutes. After this time, rinse the product with the usual shampoo.

Recipe 5
Regular washing of the head with shampoo, which includes natural groundnut oil, will help prevent thinning and brittleness of normal hair. To achieve the desired concentration of the product, pour 100 ml of shampoo and add exactly 5 ml of peanut butter to them.

Recipe 6
To remove greasy shine from the hair and normalize the production of sebum, a mask of these products will help:

• 10 ml peanut butter;
• 1 protein;
• 100 ml of kefir with a low percentage of fat.

Mix all the ingredients and apply the resulting mixture on the hair for no more than 60 minutes. After an hour, rinse off with the usual shampoo.

Beauticians note that before using this or that remedy, it is recommended to test for the presence of an allergic reaction, which can cause one or more components of the composition. Apply cosmetic product on the inside of the wrist and leave for 5-7 minutes. After the specified period of time, rinse it with water without rubbing the skin with a washcloth. If a rash, itching, redness, swelling, and other signs of an allergic reaction appear at the site of application, refuse to use such cosmetics.

How to use in cooking

Peanut butter has been widely used in cooking.It is used to prepare first and second courses, improve the taste characteristics of sweet pastries, add to all kinds of sauces, dressings for vegetable and meat salads. Due to the absence of cholesterol in its composition and the presence of a large number of nutrients, this oil is recommended to completely replace any other vegetable oil in cooking:

• for people suffering from diabetes;
• children
• with a disease of the gastrointestinal tract;
• people with kidney and liver diseases.

At the same time, replacing the usual butter with peanut butter will not be a serious problem. Its taste and delicate aroma can conquer even the most capricious gourmet.

Is it possible to fry peanut butter

Many people think that it is strictly forbidden to use peanut butter for frying. This opinion is fundamentally wrong. Peanut butter is the best vegetable fat for frying vegetables, meat and other foods. The oil is ideal for cooking french fries, as it speeds up the cooking process and is not absorbed into potato slices.

In addition, this unique vegetable fat is not able to absorb foreign odors, which allows you to use the same oil several times and significantly saves the money spent on its purchase.

Harm and contraindications

Despite the content of a large number of vitamins, macro- and microelements, peanut oil can greatly harm the human body. This is possible with excessive use of the product and ignoring medical contraindications. Remember that a systematic excess of the daily norm of the product will lead to an imbalance in the balance of omega-3 and omega-6 acids and may be one of the reasons for the development of diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Doctors strictly prohibit the introduction of peanut butter in the daily diet of those people who suffer from bronchial asthma or individual intolerance to the product. In the presence of allergies, the use of this oil can lead to sharply negative consequences, even death.

Substances that make up the product can cause a worsening of the symptoms of the disease and the development of concomitant diseases:

• arthritis;
• arthrosis;
• gout.

In all other cases, the consumption of the product is allowed, but only in small quantities.

How to choose and store peanut butter

It is worth remembering that a poor-quality product is also capable of harming health. In order not to purchase low quality oil, you should pay attention to the following characteristics when buying:

1. Colour. Natural, unrefined oil should be painted in an even reddish-brown shade. Refined oil should have a light shade of yellow. The presence of a different color indicates improper storage or improper formulation.
2. Taste. Peanut butter should have a nutty, slightly spicy taste, which can be expressed slightly weaker only if the product has undergone refining.
3. The aroma. The product has a pronounced, sweet smell, without a hint of bitterness. However, for refined peanut butter, a mild flavor is allowed.

Groundnut oil is consumed in small quantities, so it is not recommended to purchase it in large volumes. After opening, the product should be stored in the refrigerator. To prevent spoilage, put the oil in a glass container and close it with a tight lid.

Remember that eating spoiled foods can cause food poisoning and other undesirable effects.

How to make peanut butter at home

Making homemade peanut butter suitable for frying and dressing salads is simply not possible. But making butter paste, the taste of which can please all households, is very simple.

Before cooking, prepare the following foods:

• 250 g peanuts;
• 20 ml of sunflower oil;
• 10 ml of honey;
• a pinch of salt.

Cooking should begin with the preparation of peanuts. To make the taste of the finished product saturated, fry the nuts before they acquire a golden color. You can do this in any convenient way - in the oven, in a pan or in the microwave. After roasting, grind the peanuts with a blender until smooth. Add salt, sunflower oil and honey to it, then grind again.

Place the finished product in any glass container that can be covered with a tight lid and store in the refrigerator.

Interesting Facts About Peanuts

A lot is said about the uniqueness and useful properties of peanuts, which explains the prevalence and popularity of this product. However, not all lovers of these delicious nuts know such facts:

1. Despite its name “peanuts,” peanuts ripen like beans in pods. At the same time, one plant can grow up to 40 pods on itself.
2. The daily rate of consumption of peanuts should be no more than 20 nuts.
3. From the moment of planting the plant to the collection of nuts takes only 5 months.
4. This amazing product is used in the production of dynamite, plastic and even glue.
5. In Georgia (the city of Plains) you can see a peanut monument.