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Does
Peanut Butter Make you Fat?
Though
peanut butter is rich in fat content and also in calories, it
does not make you fat automatically. It just depends how much
you take. In fact, it can help you control weight and help you
stay in shape. Peanut butter comprises of vitamin B / Vitamin
E / proteins / potassium / zinc / magnesium / copper and manganese.
This actually makes your diet rich and healthy.
Peanut butter has 16 grams fat in a single serving. Though you
may think that this will make you fat, think again because there
are some fats that are actually good for your health and help
in controlling your weight as well. According to experts, peanut
butter has approx. 81% of unsaturated fat. This fat actually contributes
to your heart's health. In fact the Institute of Medicine suggests
that at least 20% to 35% of your daily calories should be from
unsaturated fats as this helps in regulating your hormones and
also enables easy absorption of vitamins. For instance if you
are on a 1500 calorie per day diet, your fat consumption should
be between 33 grams to 58 grams. In fact a couple of peanut butter
servings should be ideal.
According to some studies a regular diet of nuts / peanuts does
not cause any significant changes in your weight as the peanuts
/ nuts satiate your hunger. This means you end up eating less
than normal. In fact, consuming peanuts may actually raise your
body metabolism slightly and some calories may not be absorbed
fully.
A couple of servings of peanut butter does not make you fat. True,
but this does not mean that you consume more of the same every
day. Remember, even healthy foods can make you fat when consumed
in excess. In fact one serving of peanut butter contains 200 calories.
This is ok. However, if you consume three to four servings, you
are talking of 600 to 800 calories added to your daily intake.
If your activity levels remain the same, then you may end up gaining
more weight than before. So, it always helps to consume peanut
butter in moderation. In fact, consuming peanut butter moderately
will not alter your weight much.
If you are looking to lose weight, go for natural peanut butter
as it contains less salt/sodium and sugar and even better, no
hydrogenated fats which are unhealthy. Finally, you can use peanut
butter with wheat bread / apple slice / smoothies or oatmeal.
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