With 180 to 210 calories per serving, calling peanut butter a diet food may seem counter-intuitive. But truth be told, eating peanut butter actually suppresses hunger which leads to weight loss. It has the enviable combination of fiber (2.6 g per serving) and protein (7-8 g per serving) that keeps you feeling full for longer, so you end up eating less overall. And since there's nothing more indulgent than licking peanut butter off a spoon, once you do - you try to stay on track after.

Peanut butter contains a substance called p-coumaric acid which helps in offsetting the damage done to cells associated with cardiovascular diseases. Also, peanut butter contains more unsaturated fat than saturated fat making it a fat friendly food which lowers the risk of cardiovascular and coronary heart disease.

Doctor says, “Research shows that eating a vitamin E–rich diet lowers the risk of stomach, colon, lung, liver, and other cancers” and you guessed it - peanut butter is packed with cancer-fighting vitamin E.

Peanuts are one of the foods highest in niacin, and people who eat foods rich in niacin i.e. Vitamin B3 are less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease or other memory disorders. The niacin contained within peanut butter helps in the recovery of cell damage of the brain, which provides protection against this disease. Also, the p-coumaric acid content in peanut butter helps fight the oxidative stress on the cells of the body associated with neurodegenerative diseases.

Studies have shown that consuming peanut butter in moderation can actually reduce the risk of gallstones by 25%. This is because a large percentage of gallstones are cholesterol stones, which are linked to high levels of 'bad' cholesterol. Peanuts have the ability of lowering LDL (bad cholesterol) and increasing 'good' cholesterol i.e. HDL, thereby reducing the possibility of developing gallstones.

Peanuts and peanut butter have been shown to positively affect blood sugar control and help decrease the risk of diabetes. According to a study published in the Journal of The American Medical Association, “Eating about 2 tablespoons of peanut butter at least 5 days a week can reduce the risk of developing diabetes by almost 30%, particularly Type 2 Diabetes”.

Iron and calcium are found in abundance in peanut butter which are important for transporting oxygen in the blood and promoting healthy, strong bones. According to The Orthopedic Group, P.C, “Including healthy protein in your daily diet like peanut butter is a good option to maintain strong bones.”

Each 2-tablespoon serving of peanut butter contains more than 8 g of protein, 2 g of dietary fiber, 208 milligrams of potassium, more than half a gram of iron, 24 micromilligrams of folate, 188 calories and 3 grams of sugars. It fits a bodybuilder's nutrition needs perfectly by supporting intense weightlifting. All you have to do is keep a jar of peanut butter at your office or in your gym bag, providing quick protein directly following a workout. You can also slather it on a few slices of apple - a quick fix for energy and calories.

While peanut oil offers a slightly nutty flavor, it’s generally a good, neutral option to use for most recipes. It has a high smoke point (around 450°F), meaning it can withstand high temperatures without burning.