THE DICHOTOMY OF NUT BUTTER

Almost all nutrition experts agree nuts and seeds should be part of a healthy diet. They have quality plant based fat and protein which have numerous health benefits.

If nuts and seeds are healthy then it only makes sense the nut and seed butters made from them would be as healthy . . . FALSE.

I’m not saying nut and seed butters are unhealthy, but if you’re thinking they are as good as the original form you’re trying to fool yourself. The general rule of thumb is the less processed a food is the healthier it is for you. For most foods this also includes cooking/heating them.

How a nut and seed butter is made can make all the difference. Some are heated at a very high temperature. Some seeds and nuts the fat degrades at a certain heating point. Therefore those healthy fats you think you’re getting you’re not.

Depending on the brand you buy added ingredients like sugar, palm or other oils are mixed in. You have to read the nutrition facts carefully.

The other potential issue with nut butter is the shear calories of it. At the end of the day if your goal is weight/fat loss it is still calories in versus calories out. Just one tablespoon of nut butter can be 120 calories. Let’s face it, who has just one spoonful.

Nut and seed butter are neither good or bad. First know your goals and secondly look for the quality of the product. Lastly, if you’re hesitant yet just eat the real thing.

To Your Health,

Mark Radio

Blog