Almond Butter vs. Peanut Butter. Eating the right type of food has been proven to make people feel happy literally. That’s because of the nutrient content in foods.
Some of the vitamins that represent a source of energy and well-being for the body are magnesium, iron, calcium and vitamin E, all found in almond butter.
But almond butter nutrition goes further than that with offering monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, thus playing an essential part in a diet.
Talking about the nutritional value of almond butter compared to peanut butter, it’s worth mentioning that almond butter contains approximately 25% more monounsaturated fat – the healthy type of fat and less of the saturated fat – considered unhealthy in large amounts.
Vitamins and minerals in almond butter compared to peanut butter
Vitamin E – plays the role of an antioxidant in the body, preventing the risk of heart attack and protecting the cells. Compared to peanut butter, almond butter contains about three times as much vitamin E.
Iron – is a very important nutrient and a component that helps red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. Almond butter contains twice as much iron compared to peanut butter.
Calcium – is one of the most important nutrients for overall health, but particularly relevant for the health of the nervous system and bones. Calcium helps the majority of the cells in the body perform well. Almond butter contains seven times more calcium compared to peanut butter.
Fiber – is most often associated with good food movement in the body, although this plant-based nutrient plays more than just one role. Fiber helps lower cholesterol and prevents some diseases. One almond butter-serving contains roughly 3.3 grams of fiber, more than peanut butter by 1.7 grams.
Protein – builds and repairs tissues in the body among having other functions. Eating protein foods keeps energy levels up throughout the day while preventing weight gain. Protein in almond butter is found in lesser amounts compared to peanut butter. Almond butter provides 6.7 grams of protein per two-tablespoon serving while peanut butter offers 7.1 grams of protein.
Almond butter is considered healthier than peanut butter, although it only surpasses the latter by a bit, nutritionally speaking both being nutrient-dense foods recommended for regular consumption, especially for people on a plant-based diet.
California produces about 80 percent of the world’s almonds
Compared to peanuts, almonds have only started to gain in popularity since recent years. This is due to higher production year on year but also because more is revealed on the benefits of consuming almonds along with other types of nuts.
Almonds, however, have been consumed for thousands of years and they go back to before the Common Era. They were brought to the U.S. after having been carried along trade routes by merchants and travelers in the Mediterranean. Almonds were first introduced into Northern Africa, Asia, and finally southern Europe before America.
Although there are other countries in the world that produce almonds, America produces the majority, more specifically it’s in the state of California where most of the world’s almonds are grown, about 80 percent.
Best almonds to consume for health benefits
Almonds, much like all the other nuts, are processed differently and depending on the processing, some almonds may be healthier or unhealthier to others.
Because almonds naturally contain certain toxic components, U.S. regulation requires that they are treated before being sold for reducing contamination. The less treated they are, however, the better and healthier for consumption.
The best types of almonds to consume are almonds that have been treated as little as possible so that they still retain health benefits. Also, avoid almonds covered in sugar or almond butter with hydrogenated oils and high amounts of sodium in them.