Good for your heart
Various studies have shown that peanuts and peanut butter contain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats which lower “bad” LDL cholesterol and keep “good” HDL cholesterol high.
Peanut butter is a heart-healthy food, well suited for people with high cholesterol when consumed in recommended servings.
“Peanut butter, when it is just ground peanuts, is an extremely healthy food that is full of healthy fats, carbs, fiber, and protein,” reiterates Ellis Hunnes, adding that you should aim to eat around an ounce (with a maximum of two ounces) per day; one ounce is two tablespoons of peanut butter.
Peanut butter is high in protein and healthy fats, which can also help reduce blood pressure levels.
Peanut butter also contains omega-6. This fatty acid lowers bad (LDL) cholesterol and increases protective (HDL) cholesterol. In addition, peanuts are a natural source of arginine, an amino acid that may prevent heart and vascular disease by promoting good blood vessel function.
Both are a good source of nutrients
Bananas are super high in potassium, which can improve heart health. They're also a good source of Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C. Peanut butter is high in Vitamin E and Vitamin B3. It's also a good source of iron and potassium.
While coffee does not contain cholesterol, it can affect cholesterol levels. The diterpenes in coffee suppress the body's production of substances involved in cholesterol breakdown, causing cholesterol to increase. Specifically, coffee diterpenes may cause an increase in total cholesterol and LDL levels.
The fiber and potassium in bananas can reduce the level of cholesterol and blood pressure. Banana is especially known as a good source of soluble fibre which will gives one a healthy body and good immune system.
Like many other fruits and vegetables, avocados have no cholesterol. Healthy avocados also contain good fats and can improve your intake of dietary fat, which in moderation helps with nutrient absorption, without raising LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels.
Selected Healthy Peanut Butter Brands
Smucker's Natural Peanut Butter. Once Again Organic Creamy Peanut Butter (there is a crunchy version, too!) MaraNatha Organic Creamy Peanut Butter (not the no-stir variety)
Certain nutrients in bananas are associated with sleep. For example, bananas contain tryptophan and vitamin B6, which are important for the production of serotonin and melatonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter (a chemical messenger) that regulates sleep.
It's nutritious. I start with whole-grain toast and then add natural peanut butter, a drizzle of honey and banana slices. These nutrient-dense foods pack a lot of good stuff into every bite. Peanut butter: Full of healthy fats, fiber and protein.
Potassium in bananas is good for your heart health and blood pressure. A medium-sized banana will provide around 320-400 mg of potassium, which meets about 10% of your daily potassium needs. Potassium helps your body maintain a healthy heart and blood pressure. In addition, bananas are low in sodium.
There are no quick fixes for melting away plaque, but people can make key lifestyle changes to stop more of it accumulating and to improve their heart health. In serious cases, medical procedures or surgery can help to remove blockages from within the arteries.
Beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, and avocado are other potassium-rich foods that may help lower blood pressure naturally. Kiwifruit: According to one study, eating three kiwifruit daily can help dramatically lower blood pressure. Kiwi is delicious chopped up in fruit salad or sprinkled on top of plain yogurt.
Some research suggests coffee can lower the risk for high blood pressure, also called hypertension, in people who don't already have it. But drinking too much coffee has been shown to raise blood pressure and lead to anxiety, heart palpitations and trouble sleeping.
Skippy Natural Creamy Peanut Butter Spread
Skippy's entire line of natural spreads are free of preservatives, artificial flavors and colors. Like most peanut butters, this one is also free of cholesterol and trans fat.