Go Nuts for National Peanut Butter Lover’s Month (and 5 PB Recipes)

It takes 540 peanuts to make one jar of peanut butter! Peanut butter is made from dry roasted peanuts that are ground into a paste-like consistency. Celebrate this popular food, that has been enjoyed for decades, all November long for National Peanut Butter Lover’s Month.

Peanut butter is not only tasty, it is full of many nutrients that the body uses for energy. It has a nutritious profile of numerous vitamins and other micronutrients. Whether chunky or smooth, a dollop of peanut butter is a great way to optimize your nutrient intake!

It should come as no surprise that peanut butter is a key ingredient in many yummy recipes given its distinct flavor. There is no shortage of recipes to try that incorporate peanut butter. From breakfast foods to dessert, there is no wrong way to eat PB!

5 Nutritious Reasons to Eat More Peanut Butter

When it comes to peanut butter, a little bit can go a long way. Peanut butter is a nutrient dense food, so you do not need to eat a lot of it to reap its benefits. Here are just some of the many nutrients you will find in your favorite spread:

1. Protein: There is about 25 grams of protein in 6 tablespoons of peanut butter! This is considered a healthy amount of protein, especially for a plant-based food. Your body needs protein to build muscle and perform most daily function.

2. Healthy Fat: A good amount of the fat in peanut butter is a monounsaturated fat that may improve insulin sensitivity. It also has omega-6 fatty acid which has been associated with brain and heart health.

3. Vitamin E: You can obtain a good amount of the recommended Vitamin E intake in a serving of peanut butter. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can help protect the cells in your body from damage.

4. Niacin: You may be familiar with Vitamin B3, which is found in high amounts in peanut butter. Niacin helps to lower blood pressure and promotes the proper functioning of nerves.

5. Manganese: This micronutrient can help improve metabolism and digestion. It has also been associated with improved bone density.

5 Recipes Any Peanut Butter Lover Needs to Try

When most people hear peanut butter, they think about lunch time and a classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich. However, peanut butter is so much more than that! There are so many wonderful and delicious recipes that utilize this amazing food. Here are just a few of my favorite:

1. Oatmeal, Peanut Butter, and Banana: When preparing your oatmeal on the stove, add a tablespoon of peanut butter along with your favorite seasonings. Once it has cooled down a little bit, add some cut up slices of banana.

2. Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie: Adding a little peanut butter to a smoothie is a great way to increase your protein intake. Simply add your desired amount of peanut butter to a chocolate banana smoothie for a tasty treat.

3. Peanut Butter French Toast: Before dipping your bread in the batter, cut a small whole at the bottom and stuff it with some peanut butter. Then proceed to make the French toast as normal. When you dig in you will be surprised with warm and delicious peanut butter.

4. Peanut Butter Fried Rice: Many other cultures use peanuts or peanut butters in their savory dishes to enhance the flavor of the dish. Add a little peanut butter to fried rice for a whole new flavor pallet.

5. Peanut Butter Sugar Cookies: Peanut butter cookies are simple to make and always a crowd favorite! You can add a little chocolate for some added sweetness.

No matter what you decide to make, don’t forget to celebrate this super food this November.

Your Turn to Action: Which peanut butter recipe above are you going to try? Let me know in the comments below.

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