Peanut butter, like most nut butters, is high in healthy unsaturated fats. Of the 16 grams of fat in a 2-tablespoon serving of smooth, salted peanut butter, only 3.4 grams come from saturated fat. In addition, peanut butter is cholesterol-free. Peanut butter also contains a significant amount of protein, minerals and some vitamins.
Processed into butter, groundnut is particularly valuable as a dense, portable food that is high in protein and calories and can be eaten at any time without further preparation.
The unsaturated fats in peanut butter play an important role in lowering LDL cholesterol, or “bad” cholesterol. This greatly decreases the chances of heart disease and cardiovascular issues. Basically, peanut butter helps prevent the buildup of cholesterol in the arteries that carry fresh blood to and from the heart.
Calcium and magnesium rich peanut butter promotes healthy development of strong bones.Groundnut-based pastes high in protein, calories and other nutrients, have been developed for use by relief organisations as a therapeutic food in emergency situations of extreme drought and famine, particularly targeting malnourished children.