The oil in peanut butter is mostly monosaturated and is a "heart-healthy" fat that is good for you.
Fat is definitely not all evil, we need healthy fat in our diets. The only time that dieting ever made me sick was during an extreme low fat diet in college, I didn't menstruate and my hair fell out by the handful in the shower.
Ever since, I've made it a goal to get enough healthy fat every day, at least 25% of my calories come from healthy fats (olive oil, nuts/nut butters, olives, salmon, avocados).
If you are looking to cut down on the calorie content of peanut butter, look at portion size rather than removing the fat!
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Benefits of healthy fats:
Essential fats establish and maintain our health by:
Increasing energy, performance, and stamina - EFA's enhance thermo genesis, help build muscle, prevent muscle break down, and speed recovery from fatigue
Strengthening the immune system - EFA's make hormone-like eicosanoids that regulate immune and inflammatory responses
- N-3s have anti-inflammatory effects and can slow autoimmune damage[/I]
Lowering risk factors for cardiovascular disease- EFA's (especially n3s) lower abnormally high levels of blood pressure, triglycerides, Lp(a), fibrinogen, tendency to clot formation, and inflammation
Improving brain function: mood, intelligence , behavior, and vision - Our brain is over 60% fat. EFA's are important components of the entire nervous system
- They are necessary to make the neurotransmitter serotonin
- Depression and other brain diseases show decreased levels of n-3
Aiding in weight reduction - EFA's help keep mood and energy up and suppress appetite, thereby aiding in weight loss.
- More recently, they have been found to block the genes that produce fat in the body (saturated and trans fat do not have this same effect) and increase thermogenesis
Regulating organs and glands - Liver and kidneys, adrenal and thyroid glands, and the production of
- male and female hormones need EFA's
Speeding up the recovery and healing process - EFA's are necessary for cell growth and division
- They form all cell membranes and regulate vital cell activity
Supporting healthy child development - For nervous system development, a growing fetus needs optimum EFA's from the mother's body.
- Mothers become depleted of EFA's during pregnancy, and need optimal EFA intake for their health and their children's optimum development
Improving digestion - Poorly digested foods tie up the immune system and can cause gut inflammation, leaky gut, and allergies
- N-3s improve gut integrity, and decrease inflammation and "leaky gut"
Decreasing chance of infection- EFA's have anti-fungal, anti-yeast, and anti-microbial properties, helping to protect against infections
Keeping bones strong - EFA's aid in the transport of minerals that keep bones and teeth strong, helping to prevent osteoporosis
Protecting genetic material - EFA's regulate gene expression, and n-3s inhibit tumor growth
Easing PMS - Studies indicate that n-6 (GLA) intake was voted, by women, among the top three most effective PMS treatments. N-3s may be even more effective
Producing beautiful skin, hair, and nails - Some of the first signs of EFA deficiency are dry, flaky skin, dull hair, and brittle nails. N-3s can help skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne
- Also, GLA (n-6 derivative) administration is useful for some patients with atopic eczema