Charger Blogger and Nutrition Scientist Major Gives the ‘Scoop’ on Peanut Butter

Once again, the things that I deemed impossible have become possible. Recently, I was invited to be a guest on Charger 360 by J.W. Stewart and his colleague, Bruce Barber. For those who are unaware, Charger 360 is the University of New Haven’s official video podcast where academics, athletics, student life, and more are discussed.

I never thought in a million years that I, a small-town girl from Connecticut, would end up on the air. It sounds insane, and, yet, it happened. Not only was I given a warm welcome to the show, but I felt very much at home on set and enjoyed the brilliant humor, dialogue, and conversation that I had with J.W. and Bruce.

Now, I bet you’re asking: “Hey, how on Earth does this relate to peanut butter?” and I have a pretty good answer for that.

Bruce: “So, I think we’ve noticed by now that you sign your blogs off with ‘Peace, love, and peanut butter’. What’s the origin story of that?”

Author: “Well…”

If you want to know the story behind peace, love, and peanut butter, be sure to tune in next week! (Yes, I am leaving a cliffhanger. Mwah ha ha ha.)

Again, a huge shoutout to J.W. and Bruce for having me on the show. I hope they know the pure joy that they’ve brought into my life as well as the lives of others by doing what they do. Sending lots of swag their way.

On that note, while we’re on the topic… let’s talk about peanut butter.

Peanut butter is pretty cool. Whether it be slathered on a piece of toast, drizzled over your yogurt bowl, or the base of a fresh batch of cookies, this nut-based fat has many culinary and nutritional uses.

While peanut butter may not be everyone’s first go-to to fulfill their protein requirements, it can definitely serve those following a plant-based or vegetarian diet. However, seeing as it is mainly a fat, peanut butter does have a higher fat content, though that’s not to say it’s unhealthy.

In fact, peanut butter contains oleic acid, which “has been linked to several health benefits, such as improved insulin sensitivity” (Gunnars and Ajmera). The term “insulin sensitivity” is in reference to the hormone insulin, which is responsible for regulating blood sugar by transferring it from the bloodstream to cells. Of course, that’s the simple definition, but I think it works lol. Essentially, pairing a higher-carb food (i.e. toast, pancakes, cereal, etc.) with peanut butter or another fat can help slow one’s insulin release and help reduce the risk of developing type two diabetes.

Oh! Before I forget, here’s the average nutrition facts for 2 tbsp (32g) peanut butter (based on a simple Google search):

Total Fat: 16g; Protein: 8g

I’ve left everything else out (calories, sodium, etc.) because they’re not relevant in this example. We have a really nice 2:1 ratio going on, and while there is half the amount of protein that there is fat, both will work to satiate your peanut butter cravings.

In addition to its protein content, peanut butter is also rich in vitamins and minerals, such as:

• Vitamin E: 60% of the daily value (DV)(Gunnars and Ajmera)
• Vitamin B3 (niacin): 84% of the DV (Gunnars and Ajmera)
• Vitamin B6: 29% of the DV (Gunnars and Ajmera)
• Folate: 18% of the DV (Gunnars and Ajmera)

The vitamins and minerals that we intake on a daily basis are the cement between the bricks of macromolecules that we eat. In short, a brick house (rounded diet) can’t stand if it’s not glued together (macro and micronutrients working together). In peanut butter, there are plenty of B-vitamins, folate, and Vitamin E, which all serve our body in different ways. Generally, B-Vitamins aid in energy production, Vitamin-E in immune response, and folate in the production and function of red blood cells.

So, now that I’ve informed you of the secret superpowers of peanut butter, here is a very well-thought-out list of my favorite recipes and brands revolving around it:

• Peanut Butter Blossoms (Sally's Baking Addiction)
• Peanut Butter Noodles (Choosing Chia)
• Peanut Butter Granola Bars (The Real Food Dieticians)

1. Justin's Classic Peanut Butter
2. Trader Joe's Creamy Salted Peanut Butter
3. JIF Creamy Peanut Butter
4. Good Stuff PB

To be fair, I’ve never tried Good Stuff PB, but they look pretty good, and the flavor diversity is also intriguing.

I really hope this article has not only served as a backstory, but as a reference to a food that’s commonly confused with being “unhealthy.” There’s nothing healthy or unhealthy when it comes to food, it’s just the habits and mindsets you have revolving around it. That is perhaps one of the greatest lessons I’ve learned throughout my life, and I want to share that lesson with as many people as I can.

As warmer weather is around the corner, I encourage you to get outside as much as you can and enjoy food that’s homemade. Obviously, that last one is a bit harder, but at least try to touch some grass. It’s definitely been keeping my sanity as of recently.

Anyhow, with all the peace, love, and peanut butter I have, take it easy out there.

Bea