WHAT ELSE DOES PEANUT BUTTER DO TO OUR BODY?

PART 2

· We’ll have healthier muscles and nerves. Magnesium is an essential mineral that powers more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. Peanut butter is high in magnesium; about 12 per cent of our RDA in one serving. That means it can assist in body-temperature regulation, detoxification, energy production, the formation of strong bones and teeth and maintenance of a healthy nervous system.

· We get smarter. Studies have found that the monounsaturated fats found in foods like nuts and olive oil are protective of brain health and function. Nuts’ antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties help reduce stress (or oxidative damage) to the brain.

· We’ll keep calm and carry on. Peanut butter contains beta-sitosterol, a plant sterol. In studies involving endurance athletes, beta-sitosterol was shown to normalise high cortisol levels and bring them back into balance with other hormones during times of stress.

· We’ll combat toxins and aid bone health. Peanuts’ mono and polyunsaturated fats help fat-soluble vitamins like E and K be absorbed by the body. Vitamin E protects against toxins such as air pollution and soothes premenstrual syndrome. It also combats eye disorders such as cataracts and neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes. Vitamin K is essential for normal blood clotting and aids in the transport of calcium throughout the body, which is helpful for bone health.

· We’ll turn off our fat genes. Peanuts have a hidden weapon in their weight-loss utility belt: Genistein, a compound that acts directly on the genes for obesity, helping to turn them down and reduce our body’s ability to store fat. Beans and lentils have the same magic ingredient.