Whether you are using peanut butter in a recipe or as a snack, you should know a few things about the ingredient. These include its history, uses, nutritional benefits, and disadvantages.
History
During the twentieth century, peanut butter became a billion-dollar business. It is not only popular in the United States and Canada but also in the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom.
Peanut butter was first developed as a retail item in the early twentieth century. It was sold in tea salons as a snack for the upper class.
It was also sold by street vendors and at baseball games. A 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis boosted peanut butter’s popularity. PT Barnum Circus wagons sold hot roasted peanuts to punters.
In the early twentieth century, it was common for soldiers to mix peanut butter with jelly to make peanut butter sandwiches. These were promoted during World War II.
By the late 1800s, peanuts were cultivated and mass-produced in South America. Then, after the Civil War, farmers began mass-commercializing peanuts.
Nutritional disadvantages
Despite its health benefits, peanut butter has some nutritional disadvantages. If you’re not careful, you can gain weight from eating peanuts. However, if you stick to moderate amounts, you should not have any adverse effects.
Peanuts are high in saturated fat but are also a good source of protein. Besides protein, peanuts are rich in other nutrients. For example, they contain various B vitamins to help prevent cell damage. They also contain magnesium, copper, and manganese.
Peanut butter contains antioxidants, including coumaric acid. These antioxidants help lower blood pressure and increase circulation. They also reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Despite their nutritional benefits, peanuts are also a risk factor for certain types of cancer, including liver and kidney cancer. Because of this, it’s essential to choose peanuts from a trusted source.
Health benefits
Using peanut butter as a snack can help you stabilize your blood sugar. This is a beneficial effect for people who have diabetes. It is also a good source of protein. In addition, peanut butter contains fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants.
Peanut butter is an excellent source of vitamin E, which helps protect the body from free radicals. Vitamin E is also essential for preventing cardiovascular disease. Vitamin E also helps prevent cancer and eye disorders.
Peanut butter also contains healthy fats that help lower harmful cholesterol levels. Moreover, the unsaturated fats in peanut butter may also help you lose weight. Furthermore, peanut butter is an excellent source of phosphorus, which is necessary for synthesizing protein for cells.
Peanut butter also contains magnesium, which may help control blood sugar levels. Magnesium is also helpful for bone and muscle development. In addition, magnesium helps regulate blood pressure levels. Also, peanut butter is a good source of fiber, which has been found to improve gut health.
Uses in recipes
Whether you’re looking for a sweet or savory recipe, peanut butter can be used in various ways. The nutty taste and creamy texture are great in almost any recipe, but there are also many uses of peanut butter that you might not have thought of.
Peanut butter can be used in soups. Peanut butter is great for adding protein to hearty stews. You can also make peanut butter cookies.
Peanut butter is also great for bread puddings. Peanut butter has a vibrant flavor that adds depth to the pudding flavors. You should use natural peanut butter with no hydrogenated oil to get the best results.
Peanut butter can also be used in ice cream. The Cookie Rookie has a recipe for peanut butter and bacon ice cream.
Avoiding moldy or discolored nuts in peanut butter
Choosing peanut butter that is not contaminated with mold or discolored nuts is an excellent way to reduce your exposure to aflatoxins. These toxins are produced by molds that live on plant and animal matter. They can cause allergic reactions and illnesses.
The United States Food and Drug Administration tests a variety of foods for this toxin. They also try peanuts for aflatoxin. Peanuts can be contaminated before they are packaged.
Aflatoxins are produced by molds that live in a humid environment. As a result, they can cause liver cancer and other health problems. Fortunately, the FDA has determined that small amounts of aflatoxins are safe.
If you are allergic to aflatoxins, it’s essential to avoid peanuts with mold or discolored nuts. Molds produce spores that can be transported by air or water.
