Does Peanut Butter Cause
Heartburn?
Peanut butter is
among the favorites when it comes to processed food, paired with loafs of bread or bananas for snacks and breakfast. It full of calories yet
very healthy, but better when raw rather than preserved. Badly preserved peanut butter poses risks on health as it
may contain added trans-fat and become hosts to carcinogenic substances. Because it contains high amount of
calories, it may become one of the major reasons for the common symptom of acid reflux which is heartburn.
What’s good about Peanut
Butter?
Food experts confirmed that peanut butter
contains high amounts of fiber, protein and micronutrients. 8 percent of every serving
contains fiber content which helps regulate blood cholesterol and sugar levels. Protein amounts up to 24
percent along with significant micronutrients such as Vitamin E which helps reduce
the risk of cancer and other heart diseases. It also contains Niacin or
Vitamin B3 which aids in repairing damaged cells in the body. Also present are essential
minerals such as iron, potassium and calcium, promoting
solid bone structure and increased amounts of hemoglobin.
Like coffee,
peanut butter also has properties that prevent the body from developing gall stones and Alzheimer’s. Large
quantities of Resveratrol are also found, which is an antimicrobial agent and is
anti-viral, anti-cancer and even
anti-aging.
Though peanut butter has a lot of health benefits, these are
negated by unwanted side effects when taken in large amounts. Balance is important when we picture
a healthy lifestyle and too much of anything can bring on unwanted results. While some people don’t see how
peanut butter can cause heartburn, it is definitely one included on the lists of foods that add to the
cause, because of its calorie content. Other people reasoned out that it may not be the peanut butter but the
amount of bread which caused the symptoms, but still, being cautious is better than regretting in the end.
Heartburn
Overview
The burning sensation in the
chest caused by acids flowing back to the esophagus is known by many as heartburn. This
doesn’t have anything to do with cardiovascular disorders, but is a common symptom for acid reflux which may
develop into a more serious condition like GERD or gastro esophageal
reflux disease. It is mainly caused by taking in excessive amounts of alcohol,
caffeine, acidic foods and fats, stimulating
gastric acids in the stomach. It can also be brought about by unbalanced
diet and unhealthy lifestyles. Recurrent cases should not be dealt with lightly, as they
might be symptoms for other underlying diseases. Heartburn, however, is not life threatening and can be managed,
given the proper treatment.
Peanut and
Heartburn
Other studies showed how the peanut and heartburn can be
very beneficial to one another. The selenium contained in peanuts is an effective mineral that can
help relieve the person of heartburn. However, as mentioned previously, one should always be careful on the amounts
of intake. It can be very beneficial when limited but dangerous when excessive. Salted
peanuts can also trigger acid reflux, when tested on patients who already have
the symptoms.
To sum it all up, prevention of heartburn comes down to our
meal choices. It is advised to take five small meals each day instead of the commonly promoted three large
meals. The choice of food is also a very significant factor. If you try to change your bad eating habits,
you’ll soon find that you can never go wrong with a balanced
diet.
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