Peanut Butter as a Sports Superfood

Peanut Butter Has Superfood Nutrients

Peanut butter has reached the status of a superfood. Natural forms of this creamy spread line the pantries of athletes in a wide range of sports.

Peanut Butter Fuels the Body

Fueling the body requires quality nutrient-dense foods. Peanut butter certainly falls in this category. Peanut butter supplies sustaining energy at 100 calories and 4 grams of protein per 2-tablespoon serving. 

When we challenge ourselves with hard workouts or long endurance runs, we benefit the body with peanut butter and its powerhouse of nutrients. Exercise becomes more efficient, and the body can more readily repair itself from the physical demands of the workout. This is a great reason to add protein-packed peanut butter your nutrition lineup.  

Peanut Butter Contains Protein for Muscle Repair

Did you know peanuts contain 7 grams of protein per 1-ounce serving compared to other nuts providing only 4-6 grams per serving? 

Pass the peanut butter for more protein, because workouts break down muscle tissue and need amino acids to repair the damage. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and play a crucial role in our cells, muscles, and tissues to maintain optimal bodily function. 

Peanut Butter May Increase Good Cholesterol

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends choosing healthy fats like peanut butter, and advises stirring in the oil that collects at the top of natural peanut butter rather than pouring it off.  

Peanut butter is low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Research shows that peanut butter raises good cholesterol, while not causing weight gain or increasing bad cholesterol.

Peanut Butter Promotes Weight Maintenance

Weight gain is attributed to consuming too many overall calories throughout the day and not burning them off with enough physical activity—not necessarily from eating peanut butter.

However, it's still important to monitor your portion sizes when it comes to peanut butter to maintain your optimal weight.