Peanut butter

Butter is a favorite in every recipe, thanks to its pleasant flavor. What many people don't know is that certain butters, such as peanut butter, can perform a number of positive functions in the body. It is for this reason that dietary health specialists recommend peanut butter to certain categories of consumers. The most concerned are body-building enthusiasts. Before including such a food in your routine, it seems appropriate to know its effects on your body. Here's an overview of what you need to know about peanut butter. In focus!

The benefits of peanut butter for bodybuilders

While some may not know it, many bodybuilders are well aware of the many benefits of peanut butter for their bodies.

An affordable product

In principle, a butter is said to be peanut butter when only the peanut seed is used in its manufacture. This is one of the conditions it must meet to be beneficial to the body.

Some manufacturers add additives and other chemicals to butter during the manufacturing process. In this case, butter loses much of its nutritional value and becomes partly harmful to the body.

It's reassuring to note that some companies remain faithful to the principle. In fact, they offer butters made from 100% peanuts. Among these are OstroVit and Max Protein, offering Peanut Butter and Mc Mani respectively.

Both being 100% peanut butter, the former is kept in a jar, while the latter comes in a tube.

Both butters are available from Fitness World Nutrition, our online store offering a range of products for bodybuilders. Athletes and those involved in strenuous or non-strenuous physical activity can also use these supplements in combination with a balanced diet.

The platform also offers other types of butter, mainly derived from oilseeds. The purchasing process is fairly straightforward, with the option of home delivery.

A healthy source of fat

Peanut butter contains mainly unsaturated fats, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. These are essential for maintaining stable energy levels. They also help support bodily functions such as digestion, nutrient absorption and hormone regulation.

The unsaturated fatty acids contained in peanut butter boost the body's ability to resist inflammation. An advantage for bodybuilders, given their high exposure to the risk of injury.

Regular consumption of these acids reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering LDL (low-density lipoprotein) or bad cholesterol levels.

It also increases HDL (high-density lipoprotein) levels. This is the good version of cholesterol, which, unlike LDL, plays a protective role for cardiovascular health.

HDL transports excess cholesterol from tissues and arteries to the liver. This process is known as reverse transport. Once in the liver, cholesterol is metabolized before being eliminated as bile or reused for other functions.

Thanks to its action, high-density lipoprotein helps reduce the risk of atherosclerotic plaque formation in the arteries. It thus reduces the risk of heart disease.

An excellent source of energy

Building muscle requires a great deal of energy, which peanut butter provides. This comes mainly from healthy fats, vegetable proteins and carbohydrates.

Healthy fats are a concentrated source of energy, providing 9 calories per gram. They metabolize more slowly than carbohydrates, contributing to a more prolonged release of energy.

Proteins provide 4 calories per gram and are essential for tissue construction and repair, as well as muscle function.

Peanut butter is not made from powder. It is obtained by grinding peanuts to a creamy paste. It retains much of the protein present in the peanut seeds, making it a relatively concentrated source of protein.

After intense endurance activities, it's important to replenish energy reserves and promote muscle recovery. Energy requirements can vary from person to person. This depends on many factors, such as intensity and duration of activity, body weight, individual metabolism, etc.

Before opting for a diet, it's a good idea to consult a health professional or nutritionist. He or she will be able to give you personalized recommendations on diet and hydration adapted to your specific needs during endurance activities. Your body is a temple, and needs to be treated with care and sensitivity.

A source of resveratrol

Peanuts are a natural source of resveratrol. A phytochemical compound belonging to the polyphenol family, it is found in the seed's skin.

Resveratrol has a number of potential benefits for exercisers. With its anti-inflammatory properties, it reduces the inflammation that can result from intense exercise.

High levels of chronic inflammation can slow muscle recovery and increase the risk of injury. Resveratrol helps modulate the inflammatory response and promotes faster recovery.

Intense exertion is likely to result in increased production of free radicals, which can cause oxidative damage to cells. Using its antioxidant power, resveratrol neutralizes these radicals and reduces exercise-induced oxidative stress.

Some studies suggest that resveratrol improves physical performance and endurance. These studies also show that it stimulates the production of mitochondria, which appear to be the energy powerhouses of cells. Phenomena likely to improve aerobic capacity and endurance.

Resveratrol benefits cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure. It reduces the risk of heart disease. For 0physical activity enthusiasts, a healthy heart is essential for optimum performance.

How much peanut butter is ideal for a bodybuilder?

The ideal amount of peanut butter for a bodybuilder will depend on his or her nutritional goals and overall diet.

To determine the right dose, you'll need to take into account your total calorie intake and the breakdown of your macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, fats).

Doctors and nutritional health professionals recommend consuming about 1 to 2 tablespoons of peanut butter per serving. This is equivalent to about 16 to 32 grams of butter.

Peanut butter is high in calories. So be sure to incorporate it wisely into your meal plan, so as not to exceed your overall calorie intake.

If you're following a strict muscle-building diet, you'll need the expert advice of a nutritionist. Failing that, contact a dietician specialized in sports for more precise, personalized recommendations.

Appreciated for its taste, peanut butter has many benefits for the body. While it is suitable for everyone, it seems to be particularly suited to the nutritional needs of body-builders.

It's also an excellent food companion for any athlete. Although beneficial for the body, peanut butter should be consumed in moderation.