Have you been fed the myth that peanut butter is the next best thing to sliced bread? And, that peanut butter AND sliced bread create a nutrition-packed dream team? Then, this article is for you! Learn the truth about what peanut butter really contributes to your health … and what to choose instead.
In the interest of time, tact, and taste … I’ll just cut to the chase.
If you’re a fan of peanut butter let’s set the record straight. First of all, peanuts are not a nut at all – they’re a legume.
Legumes – in general – contribute to whole body inflammation more than nuts. Legumes are also not a good source of the much-needed omega 3’s we’re all looking for.
Peanut butter actually contributes to the problem of whole body inflammation rather than being a healthy solution. Far from it.
Peanuts ADD to the problems of whole body inflammation, leaky gut, blood sugar insulin spikes, fatigue, food sensitivities, SIBO, autoimmune reactions, cognitive dysfunction, and more.
These are all hallmark concerns in the not-so-healthy world of fibromyalgia, diabetes, arthritis, autoimmune, and chronic illness.
This article sums up three simple reasons why peanut butter is a problem food and what to reach for instead. Here’s what Mike Geary of the Nutritional Watchdog has to say:
The REAL problems with peanuts …
Years ago, I remember hearing one of my favorite health advocates, Doug Kaufmann of Know the Cause say that peanuts and corn are two of the most contaminated food sources in America. To read up on this powerful topic from Dr. Axe, check this out.
Plus, if you’re still thinking that whole wheat bread is a good option, check out this quick post that compares a slice of bread to a Snicker’s bar.
Of course, I wouldn’t advocate either one.
The point is that there are ALWAYS healthier options. I gave up peanut butter more than a decade ago and don’t miss it one bit. There are SO many far-tastier alternatives to choose from!
What are your favorite substitutes for peanut butter? And, what are your favorite ways to enjoy them?
As a retired dairy farmer, I see the word “legume” and I think of something quite different from most. In the agro-sector a “legume” or leguminous crop (alfalfa, clovers, soybeans) is one which absorbs nitrogen from the air (air is 74% N) and with the aid of some bactria “fix” it in the soil for the benefit of other crops such as corn, and other grasses.
Well then you have Rumenants (cattle, sheep, goats) who have the ability to absorb this Nitrogen and with the aid of various bacterium, can synthesize protein 🙂
On to real issues though, I’ve read a lot on fats (oils) and many good and many bad things about them. One is that the ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 should be 2:1 to 4:1. But the average North American’s diet consists of a ratio closer to 20:1 to 40:1. Absurd!
Well according to Evelyn Triobole, M.S., RD, author of “The Ultimate Omega-3 Diet,” 1 Tablespoon of Peanut Butter, Creamy will give us 2,210 milligrams Omega-6, and 10 milligrams Omega 3, for a ratio of 221:1. Go Figure! Disgusting!
Also there’s “Saturated” Fat, which up until about 5-10 years ago, was given a very bad rap. But these days I make Coconut Oil a part of every my daily life!
That’s a GREAT substitution. Healthy oils make up an important part of our diet – so when we choose wisely, we all win!
Well, that was an eye-opener! I have avoided peanuts and nuts in general ever since they started making my skin break out a few years ago. Peanut butter was always a favourite and I missed it but have just discovered a substitute called “No-Nuts”, made from brown peas. Still not the healthiest substance, as it has icing sugar in it, but all things in moderation, yes?
Hey Debbie – glad you saw something new! There are always healthier alternatives to just about any food that we find problematic. I love that you’ve found a solution, and while it may be a “just for now” food, at least it means you’re moving forward. There are lots of healthy alternatives, by the way (both healthy nuts and nut-free). In any case, well done YOU!