Is Peanut Butter High in Cholesterol?

Peanut butter is an excellent source of nutrition. Required to contain at least 90 percent peanuts, it includes more than 30 vitamins and minerals. Peanut butter contains no cholesterol or trans fats, according to the National Peanut Board. In fact, studies show that peanut butter may even improve your levels of good cholesterol.

History

During the Civil War, peanut "porridge" became a protein staple for soldiers. In the late 1890s, a St. Louis physician made a ground peanut paste as an easy-to-eat protein source for elderly patients with bad teeth. Around the same time, cereal magnate Dr. John Harvey Kellogg filed for a patent for the "nut butter" he made to provide protein to his patients.

In 1908, Krema Nut Company in Columbus, Ohio, began selling peanut butter and continues to this day. Popular brands Peter Pan and Skippy originated in the 1920s and '30s, respectively.

Benefits

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Peanut butter's make-up of monounsaturated fatty acids, protein, fiber and other bio-active constituents may help lower blood cholesterol levels, according to a Pennsylvania State University study led by Penny M. Kris-Etherton and published in the December, 1999, issue of "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 1"

The study compared a diet high in monounsaturated fats with a low-fat and an average high-fat diet. People with the high "bad" cholesterol levels experienced the biggest drop while on the monounsaturated fats diet. Their "good" cholesterol levels remained the same, unlike those on the low-fat diet.

The study also found that the diet high in monounsaturated fats reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease by 21 percent as compared to the average American diet.

Cholesterol

Your body creates both "good" HDL and "bad" LDL cholesterol. HDL cholesterol protects your arteries from getting clogged by LDL cholesterol. Not enough HDL cholesterol or too much LDL can put you at risk for heart attack, cardiovascular disease or stroke, according to the American Heart Association 1. About three-quarters of the cholesterol in your body originates from your liver and other cells, while the rest comes from ingesting animal products, the only food that actually contains cholesterol.

Guidelines

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Some ways to help manage blood cholesterol include exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet with limited trans fats. This includes consuming smaller portions of meat and high-fat cheeses and a eating good variety of fruit, vegetables, grains, fish and legumes. Peanuts, considered a legume, are high in protein, fiber and antioxidants.

Ways to Enjoy Peanut Butter

Spread peanut butter on a whole-wheat tortilla or pita, which you can roll up.

Slice a banana lengthwise in half, spread with peanut butter and close.

Cut up an apple and spread peanut butter on it.

Dip sliced vegetables in peanut butter.

Add peanut butter to your morning smoothie.