Peanut butter is a popular, high-energy food. Although peanut butter is a healthy food mostly made of ground peanuts, certain commercial brands also contain 'bad fats' such as partially hydrogenated oils (trans fats) and high amounts of omega-6 fatty acids. Trans fats raise bad cholesterol levels, while lowering good cholesterol. The American diet is known to be too high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can lower good cholesterol. Fortunately, there are food manufacturers that now formulate peanut butter with a healthful ratio of omega-3 fatty acids to omega-6 fatty acids and no trans fats.
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in various plants and fish. Some sources of omega 3s include flax seeds, canola oil, palm fruit oil, green leafy vegetables, walnuts, and fatty fish such as salmon, tuna and sardines. Omega 3s found in fish consist of biologically active EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which are a precursor to beneficial prostaglandins. Omega 3s found in plants consist of ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), which requires conversion into EPA and DHA. Omega 3s have been shown to decrease the risk of heart disease and certain cancers and reduce inflammation.
Smart Balance Omega Peanut Butter contains 1000 milligrams omega-3s per serving, derived from flaxseed and palm fruit oils. There is no hydrogenated oil or refined sugar. Although it contains a small amount of saturated fat, it's comparable to the amount found in reduced fat peanut butters. There is also a reduced amount of sweetener, taken from molasses.
Smart Balance has also improved the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. Since there is 1300 mg omega-6s per serving, the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is 1.3:1. Smart Balance has now made it possible for consumers to get the healthful benefits of omega-3s in their peanut butter.
REFERENCES:
1. Omega-3 Foods, SmartBalance.com:
http://www.smartbalance.com/omega3.html
2. Smart Balance Peanut Butter, SmartBalance.com:
http://www.smartbalance.com/images/nutrition_facts/SmBalPeanutButter.gif
Posted by Elaine Gavalas on December 9, 2006 03:32 PM
