Introduction
Peanut butter is a beloved snack for many, but did you know that there are some secret side effects of eating it? According to science, there are some surprising benefits and drawbacks to eating peanut butter. From helping to reduce the risk of heart disease to increasing the risk of weight gain, there are a few things to consider when it comes to this popular snack. In this article, we’ll explore the secret side effects of eating peanut butter, so you can make an informed decision about whether or not it’s right for you.
Secret Side Effects of Eating Peanut Butter, Says Science
Peanut butter is a beloved snack for many, but did you know that it can have some hidden side effects? According to recent studies, eating peanut butter can have some surprising effects on your health. Here’s what you need to know.
Weight Gain
One of the most common side effects of eating peanut butter is weight gain. Peanut butter is high in calories and fat, so it can easily add up if you’re not careful. To avoid this, try to limit your intake to a few tablespoons a day and opt for low-fat varieties.
Allergy Risk
Another potential side effect of eating peanut butter is an increased risk of developing an allergy. Peanut allergies are one of the most common food allergies, and they can be life-threatening. If you have a family history of allergies, it’s best to avoid peanut butter altogether.
Digestive Issues
Eating too much peanut butter can also lead to digestive issues, such as bloating, gas, and constipation. To avoid this, try to limit your intake and opt for natural, unsweetened varieties.
Heart Disease Risk
Finally, eating too much peanut butter can increase your risk of developing heart disease. Peanut butter is high in saturated fat, which can raise your cholesterol levels and increase your risk of heart disease. To reduce your risk, opt for low-fat varieties and limit your intake.
Bottom Line
Eating peanut butter can have some hidden side effects, so it’s important to be aware of them. Try to limit your intake and opt for low-fat varieties to reduce your risk of weight gain, allergies, digestive issues, and heart disease.
Peanut butter is a part of many people’s all-time favorite snacks. However, it’s possible that your daily dose of PB could be causing some unfavorable side effects.
Below, we bring just four of these pitfalls to light so you know what to watch out for. And after, don’t miss the 13 Best Peanut Butter Breakfast Ideas!
Acid reflux is no joke! In a previous article, Trista Best, MPH, RD, LD said, “eating too much peanut butter can lead to the onset or irritation of generalized acid reflux disorder, otherwise known as GERD.”
For context, GERD is a digestive disorder that occurs when acidic stomach juices or food and fluids flow back up into the esophagus from the stomach, causing a burning sensation. It’s also another name for acid reflux.
“Peanut butter is okay for those with GERD, but in moderation, as it is a relatively high-fat food,” she says.
Fatty foods can cause the bundle of muscles that separate your esophagus from your stomach called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to relax and allow the backflow of stomach acid to creep back up into your esophagus.
For more, be sure to check out 7 Mistakes You Didn’t Realize You’re Making With Peanut Butter.
Speaking of fatty foods, some peanut butter brands may be sneaking more oils into your peanut butter than usual. Let’s clarify one thing real quick, though. Peanut butter is a great source of healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. However, some commercial brands tend to pack in extra oils, like palm oil or fully hydrogenated vegetable oils, into that jar of peanut butter, which contributes saturated fats to your diet.
Instead, try looking for natural peanut butter options that only contain peanuts and maybe salt.
Some of these same commercial brands adding oils to your peanut butter may also be sneaking added sugars into their products. For example, Peter Pan Natural, Honey Roast, Creamy Peanut & Honey Spread packs 8 grams of sugar per two-tablespoon serving. It’s no wonder registered dietitians ranked it as one of the worst peanut butter options on the market.
Oddly enough, peanut butter could contain a carcinogen called aflatoxins found in a mold called Aspergillus. Peanuts grow underground and tend to be colonized by the mold, however, some research has shown that processing peanuts into peanut butter can reduce levels of aflatoxins by as much as 89%. The USDA also monitors foods to make sure they don’t go over recommended limits. Still, it may be worthwhile to know that a few human studies have linked exposure to aflatoxins to liver cancer.
For more, be sure to check out Diet Habits That Are Terrible for Your Liver, According to Science.
Cheyenne Buckingham