We all agree that nut butters are great choice to start our day with or having it as Snack! Whatever your nut of choice is, nothing beats a thick slice of toast slathered with a heaping dollop of nut butter topped with fresh or dry fruit? 

Despite of tasting just so delicious, for those into the fitness & nutrition, you would have learnt of it’s excellent nutritional benefits; Rich in heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, an amazing source of whole food plant based protein, and full of essential vitamins & minerals – making them the perfect source of energy for extra-clean gains & maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

 Kids love it too, giving them a great energy boost to get through an active school day!

So, how have you been going about your nut butter shopping?

Best quality? Or high quantity?

Have you been deceived by those “No Stir”, “Sugar Free”, Or “Fat Free” quick-attention getting marketers slap on those labels?

You see, it's no secret (anymore), with the high trend of “Healthy Eating”, we're all getting a little sensitive with our choices, joining the ranks of “Label Readers”. 

Here are some of the common mistakes we make our decision upon;

Cost (Price)

Here's one we're ALL guilty of, When we're looking to save some money, the cheapest, or those which offers the best value, wins!

Especially so, given the current rather volatile situation. There are many other aspects of our lives we can save some money with, but, on food? Absolutely not a good idea.

"Cheap Price Tag, Huge Health Cost!",

Your Body health is most expensive wealth you have, Do not compromise it on some Cheap products.

why do we choose to go for cheaper brands? 

So, it goes without saying; your health and wellbeing, isn't exactly on top of their list. You need to outweigh the “Cost- (Health) Benefit” in the long-run. Saving a little now, could put a dent on your overall health further along the line.

So that brings us to our next issue. Does a more expensive brand mean a product of higher quality? Well, yes and no. 

Such brands may use “some” ingredients of a better quality compared to the cheaper ones; such as; “Organic Oils”, “Organic salts” or other “Exotic” ingredients, justifying their prices.

However, look a little closer at the ingredients , and you might be surprised at how much other processed fats and fillers go into their product to make them taste better. 

But we'll get into that a little later.

In other words, price alone shouldn't be your main decision maker.

Always Read the ingredients list

 

Healthy buzz words like “No Added Sugars”, “No Added Preservatives”, “No Stir” “Zero Fat” are all the rage now. And so, they pepper those labels with them, luring you into their “trap”! One thing these Marketers can't “stretch the truth” on, is the INGREDIENT list.

So, remember to READ THE INGREDIENTS LIST! 

Tips To Look Out For;

Now, pick up that jar you have putting in your table and have a look at that label;

1. “NO STIR”
2. “EXTRA CREAMY”

If so, you might have just gotten a little more than you've bargained for. 

Lets' have a closer look!

Whenever a label screams “NO STIR” or “EXTRA CREAMY”, you might want to reconsider. The thing is, natural nut butters, will have an oil separation when left on the shelves. It's normal. Thus, you are required to stir it up before using it, allowing the oils to emulsify and come to a spreadable consistency.

Low and behold, companies have "answered" that call by introducing “NO STIR” or “EXTRA CREAMY” nut butters. Which, to achieve this, companies rely extensively on the use of Hydrogenated Oils into their products.

Let's check a little deeper into what Hydrogenated Oils are.

What's HYDROGENATED OILS

Hydrogenated oils, to simply put, are plant based oils which have gone through a hydrogenation process ie synthetically introducing hydrogen molecules into vegetable oils which are achieved in labs.

As these oils are generally liquid at room temperature, it's harder to make use of them in their products, as such, the hydrogenation process gives it a more stable consistency, making it easier to incorporate into their products.

Why Companies Use it?

First of all, IT'S REALLY REALLY CHEAP! Also, it helps improve the texture as well as taste of the products. Thus, when mixed together into nut butters; it makes them “permanently” emulsified – NO STIR / EXTRA CREAMY. Plus , with the addition of synthetic oils, it also greatly increase the shelf stability of the nut butters, allowing them to last longer on grocery aisles. 

Sure, these are all great for companies, which is why they love using them. But, not so great for you, and for your health of course.

Health Impacts 

Plant based oils are generally safe to consume, in moderation of course. However, what happens during the hydrogenation process actually causes the formation of what's known as Trans Fatty Acids or better known as “ Trans Fats ”, a type of saturated fat which damages on your overall health.

Side Effects of Trans Fats 

Having Trans Fats in your diet can pose some significant risks; 

Impairs Blood Sugar Control

Which causes spikes in insulin resistance (impaired ability to regulate blood sugar levels) which leads to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Increased Inflammation

Leading to higher risks of certain forms of cancers as well as heart disease. A recent study found that those who regularly consume foods with levels of trans fats stand a 71% higher risk of developing heart disease.

Trans Fat encourages the development of LDL (bad) cholesterol in our body ie the stuff that causes plaque build-up in arteries, leading to possible heart attacks and stroke.

No Stir may be great for that added convenience, but, that extra seconds you save on mixing up your nut butter, may have significant health consequences in the long-run. 

ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS

Next contender, “SUGAR FREE” and “NO SUGAR ADDED!”.

There's no debate, refined sugars are just bad news. 

Thus, to say ahead of the game, they're resorting to the use of “Fake Sugars”. Also known as synthetic sweeteners. In order to be marketed as "Healthier".

What are synthetic sweeteners? Simply put; they're just a bunch of chemicals, formulated in labs, developed specifically for those who are unable to consume any form of refined sugars ie those who are diabetic. These artificial sweeteners tend to be thousands of times sweeter than regular sugars, hence, companies wouldn't require very much of it to sweeten things up. 

Keep your eyes on these words! Such ; 1. Maltitol , 2. Sucralose or 3. Maltodextrin .

Health Impacts (What This All Means For Your Healthy?)

Consuming these artificial sweeteners too frequently WILL throw your healthy gut bacteria out of balance. 

You see, having a good, healthy gut not only allows us to properly digest food, but, it also plays an important role in maintaining a strong immune system, protect us against germs, and contributes to the production of molecules which affects many other aspects of our health.

In other words, your gut function as the main “Operations Centre” to your entire body.

So, destroying it through the consumption of these harmful chemicals, isn't going to do you any good, especially in the long-run. 

Side Effects of Synthetic Sweeteners may bring you these consequences;

Weakened Immune System

Introducing your gut to such chemicals will impede it’s ability to produce the good bacteria essential towards fighting off viruses and infections --resulting in your body's inability to ward off common illnesses.

Disrupted Sleep

Artificial sweeteners may promote hyperactivity, thus, leading to an increased risk of insomnia. 

In a Nutshell

Though the physical cost of getting a good jar may be relatively greater, the health benefits you, and your family stand to reap, are priceless!