Superfood or calorie trap - How peanut butter affects health

Is peanut butter healthy

According to nutritionist Yurii Popko, the healthiest diet is one that includes a wide variety of different foods. "The more diverse your food choices are, the better it is for your health," he explained.

"As for peanut butter - or any other product - if you enjoy it, then eat it. If you don't like it, don't force yourself," the expert added.

It’s important to remember that peanut butter - and peanuts in general - are very high in calories due to their fat content. That’s why it’s essential not to overeat.

Choose natural peanut butter with no added sugar, salt, palm oil, or preservatives. Since it’s calorie-dense, it’s best to enjoy it in moderation - about 1 to 2 tablespoons per day.

How to choose peanut butter at the store

Ingredients

The ideal option is 100% peanuts. Also acceptable: peanuts + a small amount of salt.

Avoid peanut butters that contain:

• added sugar;
• palm oil or hydrogenated oils;
• preservatives and stabilizers (like E-numbers);
• flavorings and sweeteners (such as vanillin, sucralose, etc.).

Consistency

Natural peanut butter may separate, with oil rising to the top - this is completely normal. Just stir well before use.

If the texture is very smooth and doesn’t separate at all, it might contain emulsifiers.

Labeling

Look for phrases like “no added sugar,” “no palm oil,” “natural”. It might also say “100% peanuts” or “арахіс 100%” — both indicate a clean, natural product.

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.