Is It OK to Eat Peanut Butter Every Day? 4 Health Benefits (2024)

  • Nutritional Value
  • Health Benefits
    • 4 health benefits of peanut butter
  • Side Effects
    • What happens if you eat too much peanut butter?
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Is It OK to Eat Peanut Butter Every Day? 4 Health Benefits (1)

It is OK to eat peanut butter every day, but in moderation. Do not eat more than 2 tablespoons, approximately 32 grams, a day

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. However, you should always check the label for unhealthy ingredients, such as sugar, trans fat, and vegetable oils.

Peanut butter is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including:

  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin B3
  • Vitamin B6
  • Magnesium
  • Manganese
Table: Nutritional value of natural peanut butter (32 grams)
NutrientAmount (in grams)
Calories190
Protein8
Fat16
Carbohydrates7
Fiber3
Sugar1

4 health benefits of peanut butter

  1. 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. The omega-6 fatty acid content of peanut butter also helps improve good (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels and lowers bad (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels.
  2. Prevents diabetes: Oleic acid helps lower insulin resistance, which is a factor that plays a role in increased sugar levels and the development of diabetes.
  3. Fights free radicals: Antioxidants such as manganese, vitamin E, and resveratrol in peanuts may help counteract the effect of free radicals in the body. Free radicals increase the risk of chronic diseases, including cancer. Eating peanuts can reduce this risk. A study suggests that roasting the peanuts before making peanut butter increases the antioxidant content.
  4. Promotes weight loss: If consumed in moderation and substituted for unhealthy fats, the unsaturated fats in peanut butter can help you in your weight loss journey. The proteins and fiber in peanut butter can help you feel full for longer.

What happens if you eat too much peanut butter?

Eating peanut butter in moderation provides you with wholesome nutrients. However, eating too much can make you gain weight because it is packed with calories and fats. The risk of weight gain increases even more if you consume commercial peanut butter brands, which often have added sugars, oils, and fats.

Peanut allergy

Some people may be allergic to peanuts, including peanut butter. Avoid peanut butter if you have an allergy because an allergic reaction could be life-threatening.

Mineral deficiencies

The high phosphorus content in peanuts can restrict the absorption of other minerals in the body. If you suffer from mineral deficiencies, such as iron deficiency anemia or zinc deficiency, a diet containing phosphorus-rich foods can aggravate these conditions.

Is It OK to Eat Peanut Butter Every Day? 4 Health Benefits (2)

QUESTION

According to the USDA, there is no difference between a “portion” and a “serving.” See Answer

References

Image Source: iStock Images

Natoli S, McCoy P. A review of the evidence: nuts and body weight. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2007;16(4):588-97. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18042516/

Food Data Central. Natural peanut butter. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/718824/nutrients

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.

What happens if I eat peanut butter every day? ›

Peanut butter is a delicious, nutrient-dense spread, and there is nothing wrong with eating peanut butter every day. Although it's calorie-dense, as long as your intake of peanut butter aligns with a balanced overall diet, there's nothing wrong with eating at least a serving (2 tablespoons) a day.

What happens to your body when you eat peanut butter for breakfast? ›

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.

What are the symptoms of eating too much peanut butter? ›

"Eating too much peanut butter in a short time frame can cause people to become more constipated or have stomach aches due to the high amount of fat in a short time frame," Alicia Galvin, RD said. "Fat takes longer to digest and absorb, and peanut butter is mostly fat, so having too much can tax the digestive system."

Who should not eat peanut butter? ›

Those with a known peanut allergy should avoid peanut butter and foods containing the nuts. The NIH also note that just 20 percent of those with an allergy will eventually outgrow the allergy and stop having reactions to nuts.

What are 3 benefits of eating peanut butter? ›

Peanut butter packs many health-promoting nutrients that benefit heart health, blood sugar, and weight management. The nut butter might help you get a good night's rest and help you feel full longer.

What's the healthiest peanut butter? ›

Healthline's review. It wasn't easy picking a best overall healthy peanut butter, but Crazy Richard's ultimately won out because it hits all the right notes: It's made from just one simple ingredient — peanuts — tastes delicious, and is easy to find at most major grocery stores and online.

When should you avoid peanut butter? ›

If you eat your breakfast between 6am to 10am, which is the period of Kapha dosha as per Ayureda as it's oily and fatty, you should avoid having peanut butter at the time. It's more suitable to have the delicious spread after gymming or any other time of the day," says Dr Nitika Kohli in her recent Instagram post.

How unhealthy is peanut butter? ›

While most of the fat in peanut butter is relatively healthy, peanuts also contain some saturated fat, which can lead to heart problems when consumed in excess over time. Peanuts are high in phosphorus, which can limit your body's absorption of other minerals like zinc and iron.

How much peanut butter per day is safe? ›

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.

Why do I feel better after eating peanut butter? ›

As it turns out eating a spoonful of peanut butter could offer a surprising mood boost. Kenny shares that peanut butter contains tryptophan. Tryptophan is an amino acid that helps the body produce more serotonin, a “happy hormone.” She says that eating a small amount of it could instantly make people feel better.

What is better, almond or peanut butter? ›

Peanut butter has higher saturated fats, which should be taken in moderation. Almond butter, on the contrary, has more monounsaturated fats that are thought to be heart-healthy and can contribute to lowering harmful cholesterol levels. These fats are high in energy and help in the digestion of fat-soluble vitamins.

Can peanut butter cause bowel problems? ›

Peanut butter is a high fiber food that is an unlikely cause of constipation for most people. Rather, the cause of constipation is likely to be inadequate daily fiber and fluid intake. Some people may also have a peanut intolerance that may cause constipation when consuming peanut butter as a regular part of the diet.

Is peanut butter bad for the heart? ›

Helps heart health

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.

Is peanut butter anti-inflammatory? ›

Linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid found in peanuts, has been shown to reduce inflammation and is therefore seen as anti-inflammatory. In fact, the 2009 American Heart Association Advisory Panel recommended that Americans include omega-6 in their diets, citing its anti-inflammatory benefits.

Why eat peanut butter before bed? ›

Promotes Quality Sleep

Peanut butter is high in fat, but the majority of that fat is monounsaturated fat, which is healthier for you. When paired with the protein and fibre in peanut butter, these fats can help people feel satiated for longer periods of time, keep their blood sugar steady, and sleep better.

How much peanut butter can you safely eat in a day? ›

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.

What happens to your gut when you eat lots of peanut butter? ›

Peanut butter contains prebiotics which feed beneficial bacteria in the microbiome; however, it's important to keep in mind that consuming too much peanut butter can cause digestive distress. Excessive intake can lead to a build up of gas in the intestines due to its high fiber content.

Is too much peanut bad for you? ›

They can be useful as a part of a weight loss diet and may reduce your risk of both heart disease and gallstones. However, being high in fat, this legume is a high-calorie food and should not be eaten in excess.

Is peanut butter healthy for skin? ›

Peanut butter is also rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce the signs of aging. Antioxidants protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals, which can lead to wrinkles and fine lines. Peanut butter contains healthy fats that can help keep your skin moisturized.

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