[BusyMommy]

Any health differences? I've always used Adam's PB for us and Maranatha AB for the kids b/c it's soooo pricey. But

Fred Meyer's just got a nut grinder and their almond butter is only $5/pound and really tasty. Thinking we'll switch over.

Other than allergy issues for kids, is there really any difference btw the 2?

Thanks

 

[PikkuMyy]

Well, DH likes almond butter and not PB. I believe AB has more protein? I'm allergic to PB so I also eat AB. We buy Woodstock Farms ORGANIC AB and it's only $6 for a 16 oz jar.

 

[Meiri]

I never could stand PB, can't even stand the smell of it. I do like peanuts, especially the candied ones at the Chinese restaurant.

I love Almond Butter, but have to limit it if I want to get to my weight goal.

 

[MomInFlux]

My naturopath said that any nut butter is superior in health benefits over peanut butter and suggested we switch over to almond butter (I forgot all the reasons he gave, but it has to do with almonds being nuts and peanuts being legumes). Luckily for me, Trader Joes have a really affordable almond butter.

 

[mtn. mama]

AB is rich in vitamin e and antioxidants that pb does not have. Yummy and good for you too!!

 

[sha_lyn]

according to my naturopath, there is a toxic mold that grows only on peanuts. It can cause allergies, asthma and other problems in those who are sensitive to it. It is very resilient and is not killed by heat, so she also suggest not using peanut oil either.

 

[PikkuMyy]

Yes, there is a toxic mold that grows on PB. That's why it MUSt be kept in the fridge. But no one does. I tell people, and they just shrug and keep it out of the fridge anyway. DH used to be a chemist and it's not something you want to mess around with.

 

[Emmama]

I

AB!!!! I use it as much as I can. In addition to what mtn. mama said it is a source of portein and calcium. We get it for so cheap! My HFS makes it and I buy a 16 oz tub for, like 2.50!

OMG I didn't know about the toxic mold

I won't be giving PB to the kids anymore!

 

[LisainCalifornia]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emmama OMG I didn't know about the toxic mold I won't be giving PB to the kids anymore!

I think PB is safe in moderation--you don't have to give it up all together unless you just want to.

The issue with the toxic mold (actually it is called aflatoxin) is that the mold may be already on the the peanuts when it is ground--and it can still grow post grinding. You can't see it or smell it. It is *very* rare that aflatoxin mold would be in regular supermarket brands of peanut butter--due to manufacturing processes that were designed to get rid of the risk. So the more "processed" peanut butters like Skippy, Jiff, etc... are ovewhelmingly safe from aflatoxin, while health food brands and "natural" style peanut butters are the ones that have problem with the mold.

Here is more info on the subject:
http://www.deanesmay.com/archives/007598.html

I remember reading Dr. Weil saying that he likes to eat almond butter for this reason--because although the processed versions of pb are much safer from the mold, they have other issues like transfat that you don't want to be eating too much.

 

[BusyMommy]

Hmmmmmm....good health reasons.
Plus...it makes yummy AB cookies.

 

[VBMama]

Almonds contain the "good fats" that can help lower cholesterol.

I buy raw almonds in bulk or at Costco & make my own version of almond butter at home - bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 10 minutes, throw in food processor & let it run till the texture looks right. I think it's cheaper than buying jarred, but haven't actually done the math.

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