Not linked to weight gain if eaten in moderation Thus, peanut butter is unlikely to lead to weight gain if eaten in moderation — in other words, if you consume it as part of your daily calorie needs. In fact, most research links intake of peanut butter, peanuts, and other nuts to lower body weight ( 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ).
Yes, peanut butter is rich in protein and fiber, which keeps you feeling full for a longer period of time. This can help you cut down on snacking and overeating, thus contributing to weight loss. Peanut butter also stabilizes your blood sugar levels, which lowers insulin levels in your blood and encourages fat burning.
Since peanut butter is very high in fat, a 3.5-ounce (100-gram) portion contains a hefty dose of 597 calories ( 4 ). Despite their high calorie content, eating moderate amounts of pure peanut butter or whole peanuts is perfectly fine on a weight-loss diet ( 11 ).
Peanut butter is a concentrated source of nutrition that may offer potential health benefits. One study showed that eating peanuts every day can decrease the overall risk of death by up to 21% – and reduces the occurrence of heart disease by 38%.
Peanut butter is a good source of protein that can promote the feeling of fullness and result in fat loss. It may also reduce your appetite and help you consume limited calories. This will help you lose weight. You may also experience better metabolism with the consumption of peanut butter.
Peanut butter is loaded with gut-healthy fiber. But what really is fiber? Fiber hangs around in your digestive system and strengthens the good bacteria in your gut, while aiding the digestive process and helping your body remove toxins. Fiber feeds you and your gut bacteria.
Consult your doctor or dietitian if you're not sure how much PB you should eat, but a good general rule of thumb is around one to two tablespoons a day. Newell said a healthy serving of any high-fat food is roughly two tablespoons.
Natural or organic peanut butter is the best for weight loss. If you are buying it from a store, make sure you read the label. It must be free from any sugar and unwanted ingredients.
“Simple carbohydrates, such as plain rice, pasta or simple sugars, average between 30 and 60 minutes in the stomach,” she adds. “But if you put a thick layer of peanut butter on toast, or layer avocado and eggs, it can take upwards of between two to four hours to leave your stomach.
Peanut Butter for Weight Loss
To get the full benefits of peanut butter in a weight-management plan, you may want to plan your daily intake to be around two tablespoons. Keep in mind, If you have high blood pressure, opt for a low-salt brand or a natural peanut butter with no added ingredients—just simply peanuts.
Peanuts and peanut butter contain nutrients that may boost a person's heart health and improve blood sugar levels. Depending on how people use peanut butter in their diet, it can help them lose weight, or put on pounds during weight training or bodybuilding.
Aerobic exercise (cardio) is an effective way to improve your health and burn calories. Studies also show that it's one of the most effective forms of exercise for reducing belly fat.
To battle belly fat: Eat a healthy diet. Focus on plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and choose lean sources of protein and low-fat dairy products. Limit added sugar and saturated fat, which is found in meat and high-fat dairy products, such as cheese and butter.
Interestingly, several studies have found that enjoying a healthy snack like peanut butter before bed may have health benefits. According to one review, eating a small, protein-rich nighttime snack may improve overnight muscle protein synthesis, morning metabolism, and feelings of fullness among healthy men ( 10 ).
They suggest peanut butter, peanuts, and peanut oil as good sources of monounsaturated fat. A small 2013 study suggests that eating peanut butter or peanuts for breakfast could help women with obesity and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes to manage their blood glucose levels.
The tasty treat also increases thermogenesis in the body, which kickstarts your metabolism due to the energy required to digest peanut butter. When eaten before bed, this helps your body to burn calories throughout the night.
An open jar of peanut butter stays fresh up to three months in the pantry. After that, it's recommended to store the peanut butter in the fridge (where it can maintain its quality for another 3-4 months). If you don't refrigerate, oil separation can occur.
Although rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, Peanut butter contains a higher percentage of fat. When consumed in excess, these fats can cause more harm than good. Excess fats in the upper gastrointestinal tract (GIT) can lead to bloating from indigestion. This can further lead to abdominal pain.
"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."
Replacing high calorie, high fat items such as cookies or cake with fresh fruit like bananas can increase satiety while decreasing calories. If you are looking to gain weight, you might consider eating an extra snack daily. A banana with peanut butter can increase nutrient-dense calories to achieve healthy weight gain.