Low Calorie Nut Butter**
Nut butter, whether made from peanuts, almonds, cashews, or other nuts, is a popular spread that adds a creamy texture and nutty flavor to a variety of foods. While most nut butters are high in calorie content, there are options available that can be lower in calories and still provide healthy benefits. This article will explore the healthiest low-calorie nut butters available on the market and explain how to choose them for optimal health outcomes.
Is Nut Butter Healthy?
Nut butter, by definition, is a spread made from nuts that has been ground into a spreadable paste. While most commercially available nut butter contains added oils and sugars, natural nut butters are made with unroasted nuts and minimal processing. Many people consider natural nut butter to be healthier than its processed counterparts because it contains fewer calories, less sugar, and fewer additives.
What Are the Healthiest Nut Butters?
The healthiest low-calorie nut butter options are typically made with only two ingredients: nuts and salt. They should not contain added sugars, hydrogenated oils, preservatives, or other stabilizers. Here are some popular and healthier alternative nut butter options:
Pistachio Butter
Pistachio butter is one of the lowest-calorie true nut butter options and is made with defatted pistachios. It has a rich, buttery flavor and a delicate texture.
Granola Butter
Granola butter is a healthy alternative to regular nut butter and is made by grinding up rolled oats, olive oil, maple syrup, coconut oil, and a variety of spices. It is a good option for those with nut allergies because it is free of major food allergens.
Tahini
Tahini is a spread made from ground sesame seeds and is a key ingredient in hummus, a traditional Middle Eastern dip. It is lower in sugar, saturated fat, and calories compared to many other types of nut butter and is a good source of plant-based protein.
Walnut Butter
Walnut butter is one of the healthiest nut butter options because it is the nut butter that is highest in omega-3 fatty acids. These powerful oils can help improve heart health and brain function and reduce chronic inflammation.
What Are the Least Healthy Nut Butters?
While many low-calorie nut butter options are healthy and offer numerous nutritional benefits, some options may contain additional ingredients that can reduce their nutritional value. Some of the least healthy nut butter alternatives include:
Regular Peanut Butter
Regular peanut butter often contains added sugars, hydrogenated oils, and salt, which can elevate the caloric content and potentially negate any health benefits. It is typically not recommended to consume large amounts of processed peanut butter due to its high sugar and sodium content.
Salty Peanut Butter
Salty peanut butter is just that—peanut butter that has had added salt to enhance its taste. While it is a convenient option, it does not contain any added health benefits and can be high in sodium.
Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter
Chocolate chip peanut butter is a popular ice cream topping that contains peanuts along with added sugar and chocolate chips. While it is low in calories, it is high in added sugar and contains unhealthy fats that can reduce the overall nutritional value of the spread.
Best Ways to Choose Low-Calorie Nut Butter
When selecting low-calorie nut butter, it is essential to look for products with minimal ingredients and a simple ingredient list. The best options include nuts as the sole ingredient and avoid any products with added sugars, hydrogenated oils, preservatives, or other stabilizers. Additionally, consider purchasing nut butter in powder form, which is more concentrated and requires less water to rehydrate when used as a spread.
Conclusion
In conclusion, nut butter can be a nutritious and healthy option when choosing low-calorie options. By carefully selecting the best nut butter for your dietary needs and preferences, you can enjoy all of the benefits that nut butter has to offer while keeping your calorie intake in check. Whether you prefer Pistachio butter, Granola butter, or tahini, the key to selecting a healthy low-calorie option is to focus on products with minimal processing and a simple ingredient list.
