A peanut butter sandwich probably seems pretty innocuous, but is it really good for you? Let’s take apart this lunchtime classic and see what’s inside.
The Bread
The classic peanut butter sandwich is of course made on white bread. White bread is never your best option when it comes to nutrition, though. If you’re going to eat that peanut butter sandwich, make it on whole grain bread for a boost of nutrients.
Breads that contain seeds and visible grains are much better for you than white bread or nominally wheat bread with no evidence of whole grains.
The Peanut Butter
The jury is still out on peanut butter. While nutritionally dense, peanut butter is also high in fat. Still, studies show that those who eat peanut butter daily are better able to meet their daily vitamin requirements than those who do not eat peanut butter or other nuts.
A serving of peanut butter or nuts can also help reduce your risk of diabetes. Peanut butter should be a part of a diet that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, though. And watch out for eating too much – it packs a major caloric punch.
Peanut butter may also reduce your risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular disease.
Some more recent studies also suggest peanuts may have some cancer-preventing abilities, and the nuts also contain the phytochemical resveratrol, the component that makes red wine good for you in moderation as well.
Other nut butters can also help to provide the protein, vitamins, and fiber that are rich in peanut butter.