Load Up On Peanut Butter To Prevent This Common Disease
If you're looking for a delicious and nutritious spread to add to your diet, look no further than peanut butter. Not only is it a popular choice for sandwiches and snacks, but it's also packed with a range of beneficial nutrients. With protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, peanut butter is a well-rounded food that can help support various aspects of your health. For example, just two tablespoons of peanut butter can provide you with around 7 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber.
In addition to a notable healthy fat content, peanut butter is a rich source of antioxidants, such as vitamin E, that protect the brain from oxidative stress and inflammation. These harmful processes can damage brain cells and contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease. By consuming peanut butter regularly, we can provide our brains with the nutrients and antioxidants they need to function optimally and avoid cognitive decline (according to the Peanut Institute).
The cognitive benefits of peanut butter
Studies have shown that eating peanuts and peanut butter may benefit cognitive function and reduce stress. A study in Clinical Nutrition in 2021 showed that eating peanuts or peanut butter regularly can improve memory and reduce stress levels in healthy young adults. These benefits may be due to the beneficial compounds in peanuts, such as polyphenols, which can improve gut health and reduce inflammation in the brain.
Peanuts are an excellent source of niacin. A 2004 report published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry found that a higher intake of niacin through diet may lower the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and slow down cognitive decline. Additionally, the Peanut Institute states that vitamin E from food sources like peanuts may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer's by up to 70%, and resveratrol, a compound found in peanuts, can also fight the disease.
While peanut butter is delicious and nutritious, it's important to keep in mind that it contains a significant amount of calories and fat. To make sure you're getting all the benefits without overdoing it, it's recommended that you limit your peanut butter intake to two tablespoons per day (per Healthline). By following these guidelines, you can savor the taste and harness the Alzheimer's-fighting properties of this versatile and beneficial food.
Alzheimer's disease and the role of lifestyle choices
Alzheimer's disease is a condition that affects the brain and can lead to problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. It is a common cause of dementia, which is a decline in mental ability that can interfere with daily life. According to the Alzheimer's Association, about 1 in 10 people over the age of 65 may have Alzheimer's disease. In the United States, over 6 million people are affected. And the National Institute on Aging reports that Alzheimer's is currently the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S.
While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease, research has shown that certain lifestyle choices, such as diet, may help decrease the risk of developing the disease. Studies have found that eating a diet high in unhealthy fats and sugar can increase the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's. On the other hand, it has been shown that a healthy diet with beneficial foods such as peanut butter can help reduce the risk of developing the disease. Although more research is needed to confirm the link between diet and Alzheimer's disease, it is clear that a healthy diet can help reduce the risk of developing the disease.