Peanut butter: it has a reputation for being indulgent, decadent and seriously addictive. But what many people don’t realise is that the legume (that’s right, the peanut isn’t actually a nut!) actually boasts many impressive health benefits. Affordable, delicious and plant-based, peanut butter is the perfect way to give any diet a health boost. That’s why we’ve made it the starring ingredient in our newvegan peanut butter protein powder! Made from 100% natural ingredients, it not only tastes like a Snickers bar, but it’s actually good for you! But don’t just take our word for it. Read on to learn about the science-backed health benefits of a peanut butter protein shake.
It helps you gain muscle
Peanut butter is naturally high in protein, with around 7 grams per serve. Combine this with the Pea Protein Isolate and Rice Protein Isolate in our protein powder and you’ve got yourself the perfect post-workout shake! Consuming adequate protein after your workout is essential for maximising those gym gains. When you work out, your muscle fibres sustain microscopic tears. By consuming protein after your workout, it sends amino acids to these muscle fibres which helps them repair and rebuild — but this time, even bigger and stronger. So in other words, PB helps you hit gym PBS!
It strengthens the bones
The delicious nutty spread is excellent for strengthening your bones as well as your muscles. One spoonful of peanut butter contains around 49 grams of magnesium, which is essential for bone building, as well as muscle recovery. It’s also packed with calcium and iron, two other nutrients that are vital for strong and healthy bones. Taking care of your bones can help prevent injury and safeguard against bone diseases like osteoporosis later in life.
It’s good for your heart
Eating peanut butter is probably one of the tastiest ways to take care of your ticker. It’s packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which lower total and ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while keeping ‘good’ HDL cholesterol high. Peanut butter is also high in potassium, which helps kidneys filter blood and keeps blood pressure down. Research shows that eating 2-5 serves of nuts a week is linked to a 14% lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 20 % lower risk of coronary heart disease — and this includes peanuts.
It helps boost your immunity
Sick of getting struck down with a cold every winter? You may want to consider adding more peanut butter to your diet! Peanut butter is a fantastic source of iron, with around 2 mg per serve. Adequate iron levels are vital for keeping the immune system in tip-top condition, so your body can fight off colds and other infections. Peanut butter is a particularly great plant-based source of iron for vegans, vegetarians and people who don’t eat a lot of red meat. Peanut butter also contains vitamin B6 and zinc, which are excellent immunity boosters.
It’s high in fibre
If you’re after a smoothie that will actuallykeep you full, you can’t go past a peanut butter protein shake. Peanut butter is chock-a-block with fibre, containing around 6 grams per serve. Fibre is essential for increasing your satiety, so you’re not chewing your own arm off and raiding the snack drawer an hour later. Fibre is also essential for digestion, reducing bloating and keeping things ‘regular’ in the bathroom. Our peanut butter protein powder also includes psyllium husk, which is another fantastic source of fibre.
It can help you lose weight
Believe it or not, regularly chowing down on peanut butter can actually help you lose some body fat! A study from Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health found that snacking on peanut butter every day can help you lose weight — and keep it off! Researchers believe this is due to the good fats and high fibre content, as well as the fact that it can help you gain muscle — and the more muscle you have, the easier it is to lose fat. Of course, eating store-bought peanut butter straight from jar every day probably isn’t going to do your waistline any favours. But going for a natural version and enjoying in with a protein source like our vegan protein powder could actually be the secret to losing those last few kilos.
It can lower your risk of diabetes
There are multiple studies to suggest that eating peanut butter can reduce your risk of diabetes. One study published in the Journal of the American Association found that consuming a half-serving of peanut butter (about one tablespoon) at least five days a week can lower the risk of developing diabetes by over 20%. Another study from Harvard researchers found that women who regularly eat peanut butter have a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes compared to those who don't — and the more they eat, the lower the risk.
It’s good for your brain
Yes, eating some delicious peanut butter can put you in a better mood, but the brain benefits don’t end there! The healthy fats in peanut butter can give you a natural energy boost and regulate your blood sugar, so your energy levels don’t plummet later. The antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of the monounsaturated fats can also help reduce oxidative damage to the brain, which can improve cognitive function.
Ready to add a peanut butter protein shake to your daily diet? You can shop our vegan peanut butter protein powderhere.
