Here in the U.S., we seem to love peanuts and peanut butter more than those who live in nearly any other nation. It’s truly a delicious and nutritious staple for most families. Even so, there are probably a number of peanut-flavored myths that you believe to be true. We’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions — like “are peanuts bad for you?” and “is it possible to get rid of a peanut allergy?” — with this myth-busting post.
MYTH: Peanuts are too high in fat to be considered healthy.
Truth: There are countless benefits of eating peanuts, one of which is the fact that they contain healthy fats! The word “fat” gets a bad rap, causing a lot of diet-conscious folks to wonder, “are peanuts bad for you?” While it’s a fact that peanuts contain 14 grams of fat per every one-ounce serving, around 80% of the fat in peanuts is of the unsaturated (or healthier) variety. Unsaturated fats can help lower cholesterol and even reduce the risk of heart disease. Plus, that same one-ounce serving of raw peanuts also contains 7.3 grams of protein and 2.4 grams of fiber. These nutrients will help your body perform its daily functions. The answer to the “are peanuts bad for you?” question is that peanuts can be an extremely healthy addition to your diet.
MYTH: You can’t outgrow a peanut allergy.
Truth: Peanut allergies do need to be taken seriously and they are becoming more common every year. That said, studies conducted by FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education) have found that around 20% of children with peanut allergy reactions eventually outgrow their allergy. Some people will have to avoid peanuts for their entire lives, but others may find that their reactions do lessen with time. Exposing those with peanut allergies to their allergen can be extremely dangerous, so the best way to find out whether someone has outgrown their allergy is to re-test them every year.
MYTH: Alternative nut butters have fewer additives.
Truth: By law, any product that’s designated as peanut butter must be made up of 90% peanuts. While there are all types of peanut butters on the market, as long as it’s labeled as “peanut butter,” rather than “spread,” you’re getting something extremely wholesome and nutritious. The FDA says that the only extra ingredients peanut butter can have are sweeteners, salt, and hydrogenated vegetable oils. But many natural peanut butters contain only peanuts or peanuts and salt. If you’re concerned about additives, go for natural peanut butters, which are just as nutritious as other natural nut butters.
MYTH: Peanut butter can exacerbate skin issues.
Truth: Some people used to think that peanut butter consumption makes acne worse, but this is totally false. Diet can play a part in skin issues, particularly for those with dairy sensitivities. However, the idea that the oil in peanut butter causes breakouts has been refuted by studies. In fact, peanut butter has been shown to lighten dark spots on the face when applied topically. If you’re concerned about pimple-causing foods, peanut butter doesn’t have to be one of your worries.
In a nutshell, we hope this myth-busting post shed some light on some popular peanut misconceptions. Learning all about peanuts can allow you to make accurate nutritional decisions for yourself and your family.