Most people are familiar with nut butters, with the most popular one being peanut butter. A lot of people have nostalgic memories about having a delicious peanut butter and jelly sandwich while growing up. What people may not know is that there are many different types of nut butters that pack a lot of great health benefits in them. Nut butters are a spreadable food item made by grinding different nuts into a paste. The different types of nuts give the nut butter a unique color and taste. Packed with proteins, consumers have found different types of nut butters to be a healthy and delicious snack. This article will summarize the different types of nut butters available to consumers today, as well as their great health benefits.
Popular Types of Nut Butters
The most popular types of nut butters come from peanuts, cashews and almonds. There are also some rarer ones like hazelnut and pistachio. Consumers typically find that almond butter is a bit drier than other types of nut butters but it has a classic flavor that is slightly sweet and mild. Cashew butter tends to have a silky smooth texture perfect for drizzling over dishes for added flavor. The most classic and well-known nut butter, peanut butter, is typically described as being both creamy and rich in flavor. Peanut is a very versatile flavor, so one of the great benefits about peanut butter is that it can be paired with many types of dishes and made into a variety of sauces. Some other more unconventional types of nut butter include pistachio butter, macadamia butter, and pecan butter. Nut butters are very simple to make so people can experiment with different flavors and varieties if they choose to do so.
Comparing Health Benefits
Peanut Butter is packed with protein. It contains 7.02 grams of protein for every 2 tbsp serving. Peanut butter has also been found to help promote brain health. Studies have found that peanut butter helps to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, so your heart will love it. Peanuts who eat diets rich in peanuts are 70% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.
Almond Butter is a rich source for vitamin E and antioxidants. A one-ounce serving of almonds contains 37% of your recommended daily intake for vitamin E, 32% for manganese, and 20% for magnesium. Because almond butter is rich in vitamin E, it helps to keep skin looking better. Almonds have also been found to be packed with antioxidants which help to protect against oxidative stress. According to a 2018 study, almond butter was found to promote gut health by increasing the number of beneficial bacteria into the digestive system. The fiber was found to feed the gut bacteria leading to better overall health.
Cashew butter is a great option too. Like almond and peanut butter, cashew butter is rich in protein. The difference is that cashews tend to have a lower calorie content than other nuts, giving you the great health benefits of vitamins and proteins without the burden of as many calories. Cashews have been found to have a more even and well balanced nutritional profile. Cashews also provide 100 percent of your recommended daily intake for copper, which is a trace mineral that people typically get from animal sources, making it a great substitute for vegans or vegetarians. They are also a great source of zinc, a mineral that helps promote immune system function. Last, cashews contain no cholesterol making cashew butter a heart-healthy snack to enjoy.
Nut butters are a healthy and delicious way to stock up on your vitamins and minerals throughout the day. Different nut butters offer different benefits but they can all make a positive difference in your diet. Whether you are looking to satisfy a sweet tooth, spruce up a sandwich, or simply add another vitamin rich component to your meal, nut butters can fill you up.
