Did you know peanut butter and jelly sandwiches have been a favorite among American children since the 1920s?

Thanks to the invention of sliced bread, this easy-to-make meal became a go-to choice for families, especially during the tough times of the Great Depression. While peanut butter does contain a small amount of protein and vitamins/minerals, the cons of regular peanut butter outweigh the pros of this food.

First, peanuts contain one of the highest concentrations of aflatoxin, a mold toxin created by peanut storage in moist conditions. Aflatoxins may produce allergic responses, digestive inflammation, autoimmune or heart issues, liver damage, problems with growth and development, and parasite infestation.

Peanut butter is also very high in inflammatory omega-6 fats, and due to the processing of peanut butter, those omega-6 fats are in a harmful oxidized state.

Most people already get too many omega-6 fats from vegetable oils (soy, corn, canola, etc.), which contribute to insulin resistance, heart disease, brain inflammation, cancer, and many other health problems. Most people currently eat 5-10x more omega-6 fats than they should in a healthy diet.

Lastly, peanut butter also contains medium amounts of oxalates, which are plant-based antinutrients that, when consumed in excess, can contribute to kidney stones, thyroid and gut problems, joint problems, and more.

If you love peanuts, reduce your consumption and only choose Organic Valencia peanuts. They are grown in dry climates in bushes above ground, which makes them less susceptible to aflatoxin.  Plus, they contain monounsaturated fat omega-9, the principal component of olive oil.

Best Choices:

  • Trader Joe’s Organic Creamy Salted Valencia Peanut Butter
  • Costco’s Kirkland Organic Creamy Peanut Butter – Made with 100% U.S. Valencia Peanuts (When Available)

These are super healthy but expensive:

  • Vivapura Superfoods Organic Wild Jungle Raw Peanut Butter is 99.9% aflatoxin-free and contains oleic acid. This monounsaturated fat is an Omega-9, the principal component of olive oil.
  • Aloha Spreads Organic, Raw, Sprouted, Valencia Peanut Butter mixed with Coconut butter.