A Delicious Guide to the Different Types of Nut Butters
Published in Health Articles
When it comes to the different types of nut butters, you may or may not be aware of just how many options are on the market today. With peanut allergies being so common, it’s important that people have options when it comes to their nut butter of choice.
So, what kinds are out there? Read on to find out.
Why Try Different Types of Nut Butters
Whether you’re allergic to a certain kind of nut or you’re just wanting to branch out, there are a lot of different reasons to try different ones out for yourself.
The biggest reason would be allergies. If you’re allergic to one type, then there’s sure to be another option out there for you somewhere.
The other reason is the sheer amount of nutrients that nut butter provides.
Where to Buy Nut Butters
Most grocery stores in your area will have nut butter, but you can also order them online, or find them locally made at farmer’s markets near you.
You can also order some here.
Almond Butter
The great thing about almond butter is that it can be used in all the same ways peanut butter can be, and there isn’t much difference in the taste. Whether you want to spread it on waffles, toast, put it in your morning smoothie, or even bake it into cookies, it’s a great alternative.
It’s also a healthier one. Almond butter is rich in Vitamin E, healthy fats, and it has more calcium than other nut butter.
If you can find it in its raw form, free of additives, that’s where you’ll get the most benefits.
Cashew Butter
Cashew butter is somewhat sweeter than regular peanut butter, and it comes with a smooth texture. It’s lower in fat than other kinds of nut butter, and most of that is monosaturated.
It doesn’t contain any omega-3 fatty acids, but it does have essential amino acids and magnesium. The nutrients in this particular nut butter are great for blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol control. They’re also great for bone health, your immune system, and your metabolism.
You can find cashew butter at a good deal of grocery or health stores, and it’s best to grab raw nut butter if you can. This is going to give you the most nutrients, rather than roasted or baked versions.
Pistachio Butter
Pistachio butter is lower in fat than a lot of nut butter, and it comes with a less oily consistency. It’s lower in calories than a lot of other nuts, but it’s higher protein.
It’s also high in fiber and has been proven to aid in gut health. Since fiber is digested by the good bacteria in your gut, you give yourself more of a chance to add prebiotics to your digestive system. It may also even help promote blood vessel health, which is important when you’re working against heart disease.
Pistachio butter isn’t as commonly found as other nut butter, so you’ll have to look online or in other specialty stores.
Hazelnut Butter
Hazelnut butter is more common in Europe than it is in the United States, but the spread is still found with common brands like Nutella. Hazelnuts are usually roasted or baked before being crushed and eventually blended into butter, but you can also find it raw.
As always, it’s healthiest when consumed in its raw form. Either way, you’re going to need to refrigerate and stir your hazelnut butter as soon as you get it home and open it. This is going to help it stay fresh and keep from separating.
Hazelnuts, like other nut butter, come with their own share of health benefits. They’re a great source of dietary fiber
Sunflower Butter
Sunflower butter is another great alternative to peanut butter. It’s a seed, but it comes with a nutty, aromatic flavor that makes it a great, allergy-friendly alternative.
Sunflower seeds are high in protein, healthy fat, Vitamin E, and even magnesium. The healthy fats in this seed are mostly unsaturated, making it great for fighting off inflammation and high cholesterol.
Not only that, but Vitamin E is actually an antioxidant. This helps protect the blood in your cells from free radicals, which work to damage your healthy cells. That damage usually causes inflammation that can contribute to chronic disease. The magnesium helps your body produce the energy to function in day-to-day life.
Macadamia Nut Butter
You may or may not have heard of macadamia nut butter. It’s less than common than other nut butter, but not any less tasty. In fact, macadamia nut butter is often used in baking recipes and can make a great substitute.
While macadamia nuts are higher in calories and fat than a lot of other nuts, they’re rich in protein and fiber and can actually aid in weight loss when eaten as a snack. Protein and fiber are both things your body can use to its advantage to feel fuller for longer.
They can also help you feel more energized than other nut butter can because of this. They also have the potential to help you fight off heart disease.
Get Creative With Your Nut Butters
With so many types of nut butters out there, the options you have with them are truly endless. Whether you want to add these to your morning smoothie, spread it on toast, or bake it into your favorite recipe, the possibilities are truly endless.
For more fun foods and recipes, check out the rest of our website.