Thanks to an increasing awareness of the health benefits of nuts, nut butters come in several varieties ranging from cashew to sunflower seed to walnut. The following highlights popular nut butters and their defining nutritional qualities.
Almond butter
More than half of the fat (58 per cent) in this nut butter is monounsaturated, the type that helps lower LDL (bad) cholesterol in the bloodstream. Almond butter is an exceptional source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that prevents damage to the body’s cells, and a decent source of calcium, magnesium and potassium.
Per 2 T: 196 calories, 18 g fat, 7 g protein, 3.2 g fibre, 7.7 mg vitamin E, 112 mg calcium, 90 mg magnesium
Cashew butter
Like almond butter, cashew butter is high in monounsaturated fat (59 per cent of its fat content). It’s also a good source of magnesium and offers B vitamins, iron and potassium.
Per 2 T: 180 calories, 15 g fat, 5 g protein, 1 g fibre, 83 mg magnesium.
Peanut butter
Rich in protein and monounsaturated fat, peanut butter provides plenty of vitamin E, copper and manganese. It’s also an excellent source of niacin, a B vitamin used to make stress hormones in the adrenal glands; one serving supplies 25 per cent of the daily recommended intake.
Per 2 T: 190 calories, 16 g fat, 7 g protein, 1.6 g fibre, 3 mg vitamin E, 4.2 mg niacin, 0.5 mg manganese.
Pumpkin seed butter
A good source of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, this protein-rich seed butter is naturally high in magnesium, zinc and copper. It’s also packed with manganese, a mineral that keeps our brain and nerves working properly.
Per 2 T: 160 calories, 13 g fat, 10 g protein, 2 g fibre, 156 mg magnesium, 2.2 mg zinc, 1.3 mg manganese.
Sesame seed (tahini) butter
Made from ground toasted sesame seeds, tahini is an outstanding source of selenium, a mineral important for immunity, thyroid function and protecting cells against free radical damage. Tahini also provides calcium, iron, copper and cholesterol-lowering phytochemicals.
Per 2 T: 180 calories, 16 g fat, 5 g protein, 3 g fibre, 138 mg calcium, 3 mg iron, 10.3 mcg selenium (adults need 55 mcg per day).
Soy nut butter
Made from roasted soybeans, soybean oil, sugar and salt, this high-protein nut butter gets most of its fat (56 per cent) from polyunsaturated fatty acids. Its nutrient content varies slightly depending on brand.
Per 2 T: 170-200 calories, 11-16 g fat, 7-8 g protein, 2-3 g fibre, 100 mg sodium.
Sunflower seed butter
Naturally high in polyunsaturated fat (66 percent of total fat), sunflower seed butter is a nutrient powerhouse. One serving provides nearly half a day’s worth of vitamin E and selenium and more than a day’s worth of zinc, a mineral needed to fight off foreign bacteria and viruses. Sunflower seed butter is also a good source of folate, copper and potassium.
Per 2 T: 170 calories, 14 g fat, 6 g protein, 3.6 g fibre, 7.4 mg vitamin E, 1.5 mg zinc, 22.5 mcg selenium
Walnut butter
Unlike other nut and seed butters, walnut butter is an excellent source of alpha linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid with anti-inflammatory properties. Walnut butter also contains polyphenols, phytochemicals linked to brain health and improved blood flow.
Per 2 T: 220 calories, 21 g fat, 5 g protein, 2 g fibre, 2.6 g ALA (men and women require 1.6 and 1.1 g per day respectively).
All research on this web site is the property of Leslie Beck Nutrition Consulting Inc. and is protected by copyright. Keep in mind that research on these matters continues daily and is subject to change. The information presented is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. It is intended to provide ongoing support of your healthy lifestyle practices.