Fact checked by Nick Blackmer
- A serving of peanut butter delivers protein, healthy fats, and key nutrients like magnesium and vitamin E.
- However, peanut butter is calorie-dense and may contain additives.
- To reap the benefits, choose natural peanut butter, with just peanuts and salt, and stick to recommended portion sizes.
Whether slathered on bread or eaten by the spoonful, peanut butter is a daily staple for many Americans—so essential, in fact, that about 94% of U.S. households keep it on hand, according to the National Peanut Board. But how does regularly eating the creamy (or crunchy) stuff affect your health? Here’s what a daily dose of peanut butter might do to your body.
1. Your Muscle Growth and Repair May Improve
Protein is a standout nutrient in peanut butter, with a standard 2-tablespoon serving providing about 7 grams—or roughly 14% of the recommended daily value.
"Peanuts contain more protein than any other nuts,” said Malina Malkani, MS, RDN, child feeding expert and author of Safe and Simple Food Allergy Prevention. That makes peanut butter a convenient source of amino acids your body needs to build, maintain, and repair muscle mass.
2. You May Feel Full For Longer
Thanks to its combination of protein and healthy fats—about 16 grams of fat per 2-tablespoon serving—peanut butter promotes satiety and helps keep you fuller for longer. This can be especially helpful for managing cravings or maintaining a healthy weight.
In a 2022 study, researchers found that 24 women with obesity who ate whole peanuts as part of a calorie-restricted diet lost more weight—an average of 7 pounds—compared to those who didn’t eat peanuts.
3. You May Boost Your Heart Health
Like other nuts and olive oil, peanut butter is rich in monounsaturated fats, which have been associated with increased HDL (“good” cholesterol) and reduced LDL (“bad” cholesterol) when consumed regularly—both important for maintaining heart health.
“However, one serving of peanuts also provides significant amounts of other nutrients that have been shown to support heart and overall health,” including fiber, magnesium, and omega-6 fatty acids, Malkani told Health.
Peanuts are also a source of arginine, an amino acid that helps relax blood vessels and improve circulation, and potassium, which supports healthy blood pressure levels. In one study, people who ate peanuts daily for six months saw a greater drop in systolic blood pressure compared to those who didn’t consume peanuts.
4. You'll Get a Solid Dose of Other Nutrients
Additionally, peanut butter contains key micronutrients like magnesium and vitamin E. Magnesium supports bone health and energy metabolism, while vitamin E helps strengthen the immune system and protect cells from damage.
5. You May Consume Excess Calories
While peanut butter can be a nutritional gem, it’s not without potential drawbacks. A standard 2-tablespoon serving packs around 190 calories, so overindulging may contribute to excess calorie intake.
That said, eating peanut butter daily—in moderation and as part of a balanced diet—shouldn’t lead to weight gain, explained Sarah Garone, NDTR, CNC. “Several studies have shown that nut consumption either does not affect weight or actually helps prevent weight gain,” she told Health.
6. You May Increase Your Additive Intake
Eating peanut butter daily might mean consuming hydrogenated oils, added sugars, and excess sodium—ingredients that can diminish its health benefits.
On the flip side, choosing a peanut butter with just two ingredients—peanuts and a bit of salt—helps you avoid those additives, Garone said.
Read the original article on Health
