After Regularly Eating "Healthy" Peanut Butter... Surprising Results Shock Researchers

Worsening of Aging Markers After Peanut Butter Consumption
"Natural Foods Are More Beneficial for Cellular Health Than Processed Foods"

Peanut butter, widely known for its association with "slow-aging diets," has been found to actually accelerate aging, according to a shocking new study. However, unprocessed peanuts themselves were shown to be effective in slowing down the aging process.

The New York Post reported on August 18 (local time) on the findings of a Spanish research team. The study was published in the international journal 'Antioxidants' in March.

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Peanut butter stock photo. Pixabay

The Spanish researchers divided 58 adults into three groups and conducted an experiment over three months. The first group consumed 25 grams of roasted peanuts with skins daily, the second group ate 32 grams of peanut butter, and the third group consumed 32 grams of butter made from peanut oil. During the study period, participants were not allowed to eat other nuts, grapes, dark chocolate, or wine.

The results showed that the group who ate peanuts experienced a significant increase in the length of their telomeres, which are closely linked to aging. In contrast, the group that consumed peanut butter did not see an increase in telomere length; in fact, telomeres in 22% of participants in this group shortened at a faster rate.

Telomeres are DNA-protein complexes located at the ends of chromosomes and serve to protect them. With each cell division, telomeres become shorter, and as age increases, they continue to shrink. When telomeres fall below a critical threshold, the risk of developing various age-related diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, is known to increase.

Cell Health: The Importance of Natural Foods

The researchers explained, "Peanuts are rich in antioxidants such as vitamin E and niacin, which reduce inflammation in the body and eliminate harmful free radicals, thereby protecting telomeres. However, processed peanut butter does not perform this function."

They added, "Unprocessed peanuts increase beneficial fatty acids produced by gut microbiota, which help lower cortisol, the stress hormone, as well as indicators related to depression. These findings highlight that natural foods are more important than processed foods for cell health."

However, the study had limitations, including a small sample size of only 58 participants and a limited age range. Additionally, there was no control group that did not consume peanuts at all.