Creamy or Chunky, Just “Spread” the Love!

November is more than just Turkey Month, it’s also Peanut Butter Lover’s Month. All you peanut butter lover’s out there raise your hand. Peanut butter is a natural spread and the perfect topping on anything. It’s really amazing how versatile the peanut is and I think we all can agree that peanut butter is its greatest form. Though peanut butter has a bad rap for being highly caloric, it also has a number of beneficial properties that contribute to your health. Everything in moderation!

Peanut butter was first discovered in 1895 but it wasn’t until nearly 100 years later in November of 1990 that Peanut Butter Lover’s Month became a celebration. It’s estimated that Americans will consume roughly 65 million pounds of peanut butter this month alone!

Peanut butter probably elicits some nostalgia from all of the PB&J sandwiches you ate as a kid. If you’re tired of the classic lunch sandwich then it’s time to think outside of the box. Have you ever tried peanut butter on celery? On frozen yogurt? On your noodles? Nowadays at the store you can find peanut butter tucked in little pretzel nuggets that combine that perfect balance of sweet and salty.

If you’re picky about your textures, peanut butter comes in many different varieties. There’s creamy, crunchy, chunky, extra crunchy, natural (which can accumulate natural oil at the top), unsalted, “no stir”, and reduced sugar. Though crunchy peanut butter has slightly more fiber and folate than its counterpart, smooth peanut butter has a tiny bit more protein and vitamin E. if you’re like me, you’re part of the 60% of American’s that prefer smooth over chunky.

Fortunately, peanuts and nuts in general are good for your body. Peanut butter is filled with monounsaturated fats. These fats help reduce your LDL level (bad cholesterol) while maintaining your HDL level (good cholesterol). Peanut butter is also a good source of vitamin E which has antioxidant properties that can rejuvenate skin cells and maintain a healthy glow. Studies show that consuming peanuts can decrease your risk for heart disease, diabetes and other chronic diseases. The recommended serving is two tablespoons which is roughly about the size of a golf ball. So as tempting as it is to have more, watch your portions.

This Peanut Butter Lovers Week share some facts while sharing a dollop of peanut butter with your friends! Tell them that it takes about 540 peanuts to make a single 12 ounce jar. Or tell them that 25% of a peanut is protein. Or impress them with your knowledge about antioxidants like resveratrol which are found in peanuts and good at protecting your body against certain cancers!

Your Turn to Take Action: Bring some peanut butter with you on the go this week to eat with a piece of fruit. Share your favorite way to eat peanut butter in the comments below!

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