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Sourdough Bread: A Tasty Route to Better Health
By: Zara Zhao
Developed in ancient Egypt and known for its distinctive tangy flavor and rustic texture, sourdough is considered to be one of the oldest forms of breads using grain fermentation. Unlike other yeast-based breads, sourdough bread is naturally leavened, which means it doesn’t rise with commercial yeast. Instead, its baking process involves a “starter” which contains wild yeast and friendly bacteria that allow the dough to rise. Due to this process, sourdough is not only a delicious and versatile bread but also holds numerous nutrition benefits. In this article, we cover the fascinating history and health advantages that make sourdough a great choice in everyday life.
Nut butters contain all types of great ingredients for your body. As peanut butter is made from, well, nuts, it contains unsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, which will lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Also, peanut butter’s high levels of fiber will help your body maintain and control a healthy blood sugar level. Similarly, walnut butter has a healthy fat ratio that can reduce inflammation and lower LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, the infamous type that increases a person’s risk of heart disease.
Apart from these benefits, nut butters have a high protein content. For example, not only is almond delicious, it also has a rich and creamy texture and will keep you full and satisfied. Additionally, soy nut butter contains seven grams of protein per serving and is a great option for easy snacks to fill you up with energy. You can even take yogurt bowls to the next level by adding your favorite type of nut butter, alongside fresh fruit and granola, for an extra boost of nutrition.
Not only do nut butters provide protein and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, they also contain essential vitamins and other types of micronutrients. For example, cashew butter, tahini, and sunflower seed butter are all high in vitamin E, which improves kidney function and supports the immune system. Peanut butter also carries magnesium, niacin, and other antioxidants, to prevent migraines, improve liver health, and reduce inflammation.
Whether they’re mixed into meals or eaten by the spoonful, there’s no doubt that nut butters possess tons of amazing health benefits. No matter which type you choose to purchase, they will always be a tasty and versatile ingredient to have in your pantry!
Sources:
1. Pry, Will. “Nut butters are a healthy way to spread nutrients.” American Heart Association,14
Aug. 2020,
https://www.heart.org/en/news/2020/08/14/nut-butters-are-a-healthy-way-to-spread-nutrients.
2. “Your Guide to the Best Nut Butters and Other Creamy Spreads.” Cleveland Clinic, 6 Dec. 2019,
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/guide-best-nut-butters-creamy-spreads/.
3. Gregg, Alexandra. “Is Peanut Butter Good For You? Benefits, Nutrition & Risks 2023.” E-Health,
25 March 2023, https://www.ehproject.org/nutrition/is-peanut-butter-good-for-you.
4. Nothaft, Delaney. “Peanut butter benefits: Your favorite childhood snack is healthier than you
thought.” USA Today, 12 Jun. 2023,
https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2023/06/12/is-peanut-butter-good-fo
r-you-benefits-health/70283605007/.
5. “Nut Butters: Which One Is Healthiest?” Cedars Sinai, 17 Jan. 2020,
https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/nut-butters.html.
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