As society becomes more health oriented when it comes to their food choices, nut butters have gained prominence as a superfood. In addition to tasting good, they are rich in health-promoting nutrients such as protein, fiber, unsaturated fats, vitamins as well as minerals.
There is a plethora of nut butters in the market, such as peanut butter, almond butter, hazelnut butter, and walnut butter. Below are some of the more popular nut butters and their health benefits.
Peanut Butter
This is one of the more popular spreads that have long been favoured by people of all ages. It comes in 2 basic types- smooth and crunchy. Both of them can be easily found on the shelves of most grocery stores. Peanut butter is loaded with a hefty amount of monounsaturated fats which helps reduce the risk of heart disease. Apart from that, it also contains nutrients such as protein, iron, potassium, magnesium, vitamin E, and zinc. Hence, peanut butter is surprisingly good for building muscle, boosting the immune system and reducing bad cholesterol.
Almond Butter
A healthier alternative to peanut butter due to its higher level of essential nutrients and vitamin E which is most abundant in almonds. It is an antioxidant that helps protect the cells from oxidative damage and neutralize free radicals, thereby slowing the aging process and maintaining healthy skin. Besides, almond butter is effective in preventing insulin resistance and improving insulin sensitivity to minimize the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. However, almond butter is more expensive than other nut butters.
Hazelnut Butter
Similar to other nut butters, hazelnut butter is high in healthy fats, vitamin E, and, calcium. In addition to that, hazelnut butter is a great source of omega-6 fatty acids that are essential for proper growth, bone health and metabolism. Another benefit of hazelnut butter is that it is very high in energy that allows one to feel full for longer and less likely to snack. Also, it is slightly sweet and has a smooth and creamy texture, making it an ideal filling for pastries, cakes, bread, and more.
Walnut Butter
The nutritional value in walnut butter is nearly the same as peanut butter, but walnut butter has plenty of omega-3 fatty acids. These heart-healthy fats have anti-inflammatory properties to promote blood circulation and maintain healthy heart rate, thereby keeping cardiovascular diseases at bay. On top of that, walnut butter has a hint of butter, nutty flavour and is a perfect companion to toast, sandwiches, ice cream, and other desserts.
