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%.
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.
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 ).
Thanks to its impressive nutrient profile, some health advocates recommend eating peanut butter at night to support muscle growth, stabilize blood sugar levels, and improve sleep quality.
The key to consuming peanut butter for weight loss is moderation: aim for two or three servings of two tablespoons of peanut butter a few times per week. If you consume more than that, you run the risk of countering the benefits of peanut butter with an extremely high calorie count.
It is rich in several nutrients, including protein and magnesium, which may help protect the heart and manage blood sugar and body weight. However, eating too much peanut butter can increase a person's daily intake of saturated fat, sodium, and calories.
While not as severe as peanut allergies, many people develop an intolerance to peanuts and peanut butter by eating them in too high a quantity over an extended period of time, according to Minchen, which can lead to allergy-like symptoms of rashes, nausea, fatigue, or acne.
Fatty foods, such as butter, cheese, and fatty meats, are the biggest cause of belly fat.
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.
Try to limit your peanut butter intake to one serving per day (two tablespoons), and make sure to count those 190 calories toward your daily caloric quota. Ideally, you shouldn't consume more than one tablespoon per meal and one teaspoon per snack.
Peanut butter, a nutrient-dense food, contains phytonutrients, such as beta-sitosterol. The compound Beta-sitosterol may be of value as an antidepressant. The compound Beta-sitosterol works to help reduce feelings of anxiety, possibly by stabilizing cortisol, a hormone released during times of stress.
Peanut butter is a good source of protein and micronutrients, including magnesium, phosphorus, zinc and B vitamins. On the flip side, it's relatively high in calories, has some saturated fat, contains some sugar and products with added salt have a good amount of sodium.
The perks of peanuts
So, both regular and natural peanut butters are safely out of the junk food category.
It is OK to eat peanut butter every day, but in moderation. Do not eat more than 2 tablespoons, approximately 32 grams, a day. This protein-packed spread is made by blending roasted peanuts into a thick paste and contains various nutrients that promote good health.
One tablespoon of peanut butter—which clocks in at 96 calories—provides just 3.5 grams of protein, 8 grams of fat, and 3.5 grams of carbs.
Opt for protein and fiber.
Foods that are rich in protein (like eggs) and those that are high in fiber (like oatmeal and whole-grain cereal) are great choices for dropping pounds and staying at that lower weight. “They satisfy you and keep you feeling fuller longer," Tracy says.
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.
Peanut butter contains many nutrients that help your body recover from the day. It helps rebuild your muscles and provides long-lasting energy to keep your body satisfied throughout the night and might even reduce your morning cravings. And, peanut butter has a natural sleep-inducing chemical, too.
People do lose weight during sleep. However, this is mostly due to water loss through breathing and sweating. While individuals do not burn much fat during sleep, sleep is a fundamental component of well-being, and a lack of it can make maintaining a moderate weight more difficult.