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| Image via fitsugar.com |
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.
