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Peanut butter has long been a standby of moms and lazy 20-somethings nationwide… More recently, it has gained renown in the world of dieting as a healthy snack and protein-rich breakfast option. But is peanut butter really the best choice? Many signs point to no.
Eating peanuts or peanut butter in any quantity beyond a taste here and there carries the danger of introducing mycotoxins into the system, which, even in low doses can have immuno-compromising effects. Peanuts often times are contaminated with aflatoxins, which are a result of molds that grow on peanuts as they are harvested from underground. Although the USDA monitors levels of aflatoxins in peanuts and peanut products, the levels they consider reasonably safe are, as usual, a lot higher than what is advisable for smart people who want to limit their exposure to carcinogenic and otherwise harmful toxins.
I first became aware of this less than favorable characteristic of peanut butter when I received a list of dietary recommendations from my doctor to help me fight off some potentially pre-cancerous cells a little over a year ago. (Incidentally, after adopting all of her suggestions, including eliminating peanuts from my diet, the cells cleared up without the need for any medical procedures). Being a lover of nut butters myself, I was eager to find a replacement for peanut butter that had just as potent nutritional benefits. When I started eating raw, organic almond butter, I was so thrilled to find that it not only tasted loads better than peanut butter, but also was arguably healthier! Almond butter has less saturated fat, more calcium and iron, and is substantially higher in vitamin E than peanut butter. Combine that with the lack of harmful mycotoxicity, and the winner is clear!
My favorite brand is Once Again Raw Organic Almond Butter. I love the consistency of the crunchy almond butter. And looking at the ingredients just makes me so happy… nothing but almonds! There are other good ones out there, but just make sure to read the label. There should be nothing in there but raw, organic almonds.
March 13, 2011
Natasha,Thanks for the info. Raw, organic, single ingredients are always best, and we eat a lot of peanutbutter around here. 😉 I will have to try this!
March 28, 2011
I went to the store after reading this article and was shocked to see the almond butter at my local supermarket was $8.00 a jar! And I don't think it was even raw, organic almonds. So I returned to check out the one you linked to and saw it's $12.99! (plus shipping?) I thought the single ingredient, organic peanut butter I was buying was already pretty expensive.I love reading your blog, but I feel defeated and frustrated when I can't come close to affording your recommendations. Any thoughts?
March 28, 2011
Beth, that's a really good point! It's true that high quality, organic foods and products often cost much more than their conventional counterparts. See if there's a health food co-op in your area.. They will usually have the best deals on items such as this, and will often sell small batch, local products to boot (so you can support your local businesses).When all else fails, the amazing thing about these healthy, whole food products, is that you can make them at home for so much less money, and all the same benefits!Just take 2 cups raw almonds and pulse them in your food processor for about 8 to 10 minutes, stopping to scrape the sides every minute or so. At first, the nuts will be powdery at first, but just keep processing and scraping until the natural oils are released and you have a buttery consistency. At that point you can add a little bit of honey or sea salt, depending on your taste.And voila! Homemade raw, organic almond butter for a fraction of the cost!