Is Peanut Butter Good for PCOS or is it Just a Guilty Pleasure?

Nutritional Value of Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is a nutrient-dense food, full of healthy fats, protein, fibre, and a variety of essential vitamins and minerals.

The nutritional value of 100g of peanut butter according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is as follows:

Is Peanut Butter Good for PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age. The ovaries produce more than the normal amount of male hormones called androgens, which are usually present in a lesser amount in females. This can lead to issues in fertility, reduced sensitivity to insulin, increase in weight, acne, hair loss etc.

The food we eat has a direct influence on our weight and hormonal balance. Having a balanced diet with regular exercise can help maintain a healthy body mass index.

Peanut butter is not off-limits for individuals with PCOS, but having it in moderation is the best way to enjoy it. Although peanuts are high in fat and calories, they’re not associated with weight gain as most people think. Studies suggest that having peanut butter may not stop you from losing weight, instead, it may help you shed some extra kilos. Weight gain, not only in PCOS but due to any reason, can be detrimental to your health. Some studies suggest that in PCOS, losing 10% of your weight can help bring your periods back to normal and relieve other symptoms of PCOS.

Peanut Butter Benefits for PCOS

Eating peanut butter in moderation can help you manage your weight and in turn help manage PCOS in the following ways.

It is Satiating

Peanut butter is high in fibre and protein, both of which delay digestion and keep you feeling full for longer. The protein and fibre also increase your level of satiety by reducing the hunger hormone ghrelin. This stops you from overeating and prevents excess calorie intake. Thus, it helps in weight loss.

Stabilises Blood Sugar Levels

Peanut butter has a glycaemic index of 14, which means it does not cause a sudden spike in your blood sugar and insulin levels. This makes peanut butter a valuable addition to your PCOS diet. It is a way of having healthy fat, fibre, protein and sugar in a balanced manner.

If you have PCOS, there is a high chance of developing insulin resistance, which means the cells in your body lose the ability to respond to insulin and take up glucose from your blood. This increases blood glucose levels and triggers your pancreas to produce more insulin. Now, the excess insulin produces more androgen, which may exaggerate the symptoms of PCOS.

In this condition, having peanut butter can provide all the necessary nutrients without raising your blood sugar level, which can help you better manage the symptoms of PCOS.

Delightful Ways to Consume Peanut Butter for PCOS

Making the right choice of peanut butter while purchasing it is one way to ensure your PCOS diet remains healthy and balanced. Buy natural, organic healthy peanut butter with no added salt or sugar.

You can incorporate peanut butter into your diet in many ways and make your food taste yummy:

1. You can add it to a slice of bread or make an appetising sandwich.
2. Try using it as a dip to eat apples, which can make it a healthy and filling snack.
3. Mix it into your oatmeal to make it more satiating and add a creamy texture.
4. Blend it with a smoothie to enhance the taste and nutrients of a healthy drink.

How Much Peanut Butter Per Day for PCOS?

You can have up to two tablespoons (32 g) of peanut butter in a day, a few times a week. Having more than this quantity can lead to weight gain.

Is There a Best Time to Eat Peanut Butter in PCOS?

Yes, the best time to have peanut butter is early in the day during breakfast. This prevents mid-day hunger pangs and reduces unnecessary snacking and intake of calories. 

Studies suggest that having a spoonful of peanut butter before going to bed could improve sleep quality and prevent hunger pangs, thus cutting down on midnight snacking.

What are the Risks of Overconsumption of Peanut Butter?

Peanut butter is rich in calories and contains heart-healthy fats, two tablespoons (32 grams) provide 191 calories and 16 grams of fat. Thus overconsumption of peanut butter may lead to weight gain.

What are the Other Health Benefits of Peanut Butter?

Peanut butter is healthy and when eaten in moderation has several health benefits like:

1. Studies suggest omega-6 fatty acid content in peanut butter reduces insulin resistance, it also has a low glycaemic index (GI) score, which prevents a spike in blood sugar and helps to stabilise your blood sugar levels. This can help lower your risk for diabetes. 
2. Peanut butter contains omega-6 fatty acids, which lowers low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol and increases protective high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol levels, which reduces your risk of heart disease.
3. Peanut butter is rich in antioxidants which prevent free radical damage in your body and keeps your cells healthy.
4. Peanut butter contains a healthy balance of carbs, protein, fibre and healthy fats, which can help boost your energy levels.
5. Eating peanut butter before sleep can help improve the quality of your sleep.