Facts about Peanut Butter

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1. American Peanut Butter Consumption

Each year, the American population consumes peanut butter that weighs about 700 million pounds. This is about 3 pounds of peanut butter per person. Technically, peanuts are legumes, just like beans and not pure nuts as we know them. Peanuts harvested from one acre of land can be used to make about 30,000 peanut butter sandwiches.

2. Peanuts originated from Brazil

Though peanuts are today a global food, their origin is probably Brazil from where they found their way to Mexico. The Aztecs are known to have mashed peanuts to form a paste about 500 years ago. Today, peanut butter jars are found in an estimated 75% of all homes in the United States.

3. Peanut Farming in the United States

60% of all peanuts produced in the United States are grown in three states namely Alabama, Florida and Georgia. Half of the peanuts grown in the United States are used for peanut butter production. Peanuts contain high quantities of monounsaturated fats that help in lowering the risk of heart ailments.

4. Nutrients in Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is a rich source of proteins. Two tablespoons of peanut butter provide over ten percent of the recommended daily amounts. The same two tablespoons will also provide a consumer with 200 calories. Peanut butter also contains vitamins E, B3, folate, magnesium and dietary fiber. Generally, peanuts are known to contain over 30 essential nutrients and vitamins.

5. Ideal for Vegetarians

Peanuts are not only versatile and tasty but they are great at providing nutrition that people need to generate energy and live vibrant lives. They are plant based foods that contain proteins which is important for vegetarians who rely on plant based proteins to derive essential amino acids because many vegetables lack one or more forms of essential amino acids. One ounce of peanuts contains about 7 grams of protein which is more than protein found in any nut.

6. Animals and Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is well liked by animals as well. In fact, peanut butter is seen as highly effective bait for mice and is commonly used on mouse traps. This probably explains the salmonella.

7. The Peanut Butter Day

Peanut butter is considered to be very special such that it has been given its own day. Though many people like peanut butter and take it in one form or another, people who suffer from arachibutyrophobia opt to keep off peanut butter for fear of having the sticky peanut butter stuck on the roof of the mouth.

8. Former US Presidents had Peanut Farms

Thomas Jefferson and Jimmy Carter, who are both former US Presidents, had peanut farms. Former president Bill Clinton’s favorite sandwich is peanut butter sandwich. The same goes for Elvis Presley. Over 500 peanuts are used to produce a single 12 ounce jar of peanut butter. Generally, men prefer their peanut butter chunky while children and women prefer a creamy consistency.

9. Peanut Butter stays with Americans

Peanut butter is one of those things that remain with Americans even in adulthood; they grow up with peanut butter with adults consuming about 3 pounds per year. An American child consumes an average of about 1,500 peanut butter sandwiches by the time they leave high school.

10. Peanut Butter is a Tool

Besides being tasty and delicious, peanut butter serves as a tool as well. Where gum sticks on the hair, the oils contained in peanut butter can help remove it. Peanut butter is adored to the extent that the entire month of November is dedicated to its honor.

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