Because of the fear of getting fat, many people do not dare to eat peanut butter. But a new study by U.S. scientists shows that peanut butter not only doesn't cause obesity, but is also a very good health food.

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that people who ate a serving of peanut butter every day (about two tablespoons) were better able to meet the U.S. government's "daily recommended intake standards" than those who didn't eat it, in terms of vitamin and other nutrient intake. This is because peanut butter is rich in vitamin A, vitamin E, folate, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, fiber and protein.

Studies have also found that peanut butter is high in monounsaturated fatty acids, which can lower cholesterol levels in the body and reduce the risk of heart disease. In addition, a Harvard study proved that women who regularly ate peanut butter and nuts were less likely to develop diabetes; and the more they ate, the more pronounced the effect.

Responding to the belief that peanut butter is a high-fat food and that eating too much of it can lead to obesity, the researchers explained that people who eat peanut butter regularly do not become obese, even though they consume more calories. They had overweight experimenters into two groups, a group of low-calorie food, a group of low-calorie food with peanut butter, 18 months later found that the latter slimming effect is almost twice the former.

Americans are very fond of peanut butter. The most common way they eat it is by spreading it on slices of bread. Researchers suggest that peanut butter should be paired with foods that contain fewer calories, such as whole-grain bread, vegetables, and fruits.