In honor of today being National Peanut Butter Day we thought we would remind you of all the reasons why peanut butter is such an excellent addition to your diet. Aside from the fact that it compliments chocolate perfectly and makes a convenient sandwich that you can take anywhere, peanut butter also packs a serious nutritional punch. Remember to purchase peanut butter that has not been overly processed or contains added sugar or partially hydrogenated oils. Here are just a few of the things that make peanut butter worthy of its very own holiday.

Peanuts are Good for Your Heart
Peanut butter is an excellent source of monounsaturated fat, the good fat that is also found in foods like avocados and olive oil. Peanuts also contain several nutrients such as vitamin E, folate and niacin that are thought to promote heart health. The antioxidant resveratrol, which is believed to give red wine its heart health properties, is also found in peanuts.

Peanut Butter can Help Protect against Weight Gain
According to a study conducted in Spain, subjects that consumed at least two servings of nuts per week were over 30% less likely to gain weight than those who rarely or never ate nuts. The healthy fats and protein in peanut butter can help keep you feeling fuller longer, preventing low blood sugar and over eating later in the day. Spread peanut butter on whole wheat toast or celery sticks for a quick healthy snack or toss a handful of peanuts in your salad for added crunch and nutrition.

Peanuts are a Good Source of Potassium
Potassium and sodium are responsible for maintaining balance in the body’s water. A diet rich in potassium can help rid the body of excess sodium, preventing high blood pressure and its associated health risks. One peanut butter and banana sandwich can provide you with a full days recommended value of potassium.

Peanut butter can Prevent Gallstones
According to dietary data that has been collected over the years, women who eat at least one ounce of peanut butter or nuts each week are 25% less likely to develop gallstones than those who rarely or never eat nuts or peanut butter. That is as easy as one piece of peanut butter toast a week.

Peanuts are Good for Brain Function
The niacin found in each serving of peanut butter can help protect you from cognitive decline. A ten year study of thousands of men in Chicago found that consuming 22 mg of niacin a day could make you 70% less likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s after the age of 65.