1. What are the signs of protein deficiency in a body?

Protein is one of the most essential nutrients that our body needs as it is the building block of skin, muscles, hormones and enzymes. Deficiency of protein can lead to various health issues. If you want your body to function properly, then you should make sure that your body gets enough protein. When a body is protein-deficient, it shows the following signs:

Loss of muscle mass- Protein aids in maintaining the density and strength of bones. If you are experiencing loss of muscle mass, muscle weakness, muscle pain means you are not giving your body enough protein.
Hair, skin and nail issue- Protein plays a major role in keeping your hair, skin and nails healthy. Protein deficiency can cause weak, brittle nails. It impacts the skin and makes it cracked and dry. It also makes your hair fade and thin.
Increased risk of infections and bone fractures- A low protein diet can increase the risk of infections, bone fractures, bone weakness and even osteoporosis. Protein is essential to support bone metabolism and calcium absorption.
Fatty liver- Fatty liver is the most common symptom of protein deficiency. The condition may develop into inflammation, fatty liver disease and liver scarring, if left untreated.
Irregular menstrual cycle- The most common reasons most of the women suffer from infertility and irregular periods because of PCOS ( Polycystic ovary syndrome). Insulin resistance affects 50% to 70% of women with PCOS. High carb diets/high sugar, low protein can contribute to insulin resistance, inflammation, fatigue and weight gain that disturb the balance of hormones that are required to sustain a regular cycle.

2. What are the major things to consider when buying a peanut butter?

Peanut butter is a powerhouse of nutrients such as folate, vitamin E, niacin and among many others. Rich in proteins and fiber and gives an instant energy to the body. Peanut butter is popularly known for boosting body immunity and metabolism. It reduces hunger cravings and prevents unhealthy food cravings. Since there are so many varieties of peanut butter out there and choosing the right one can be challenging. Here is the list of things to consider when buying peanut butter.

Look for natural, organic variety- Roasted peanuts are used to make peanut butter but along the way there are certain unhealthy ingredients are used. One thing to consider when buying peanut butter is to always choose natural, organic, non-hydrogenated peanut butter.
No Added Sugar- Added sugar is found in most of the manufactured peanut butter to make it tastier for the consumers who prefer a more sugary version. Make sure you don’t opt for the “natural variety” that contains about 3 to 5 grams of added sugar, which is equal to 1 tbsp per 2 tbsp serving. Choose the one that is free from sugar in any form, ranging from molasses, corn syrup to stevia and honey etc.
No Added Oils- Hydrogenated oil and palm oil in your peanut butter is a source of trans fats, which are responsible for strokes, heart diseases and other high cholesterol related issues. A healthy peanut butter variety should not contain no trace of above mentioned oils.
Less Ingredients- Remember, the less the ingredients, the better it is. Look for the peanut butter with less ingredients, which should only include peanuts and no added preservatives in the form of excessive salt and sugar. Avoid the one with “reduced fats”.

Without a doubt peanut butter is a healthy choice but excess of everything is bad for health. So, consume it in moderation like two tablespoon serving per day.

3. What are the different types of nut butters?

Nut butters can be spread on toast, added to smoothies, protein shake and mixed into baked goods. There are various types of nut butters available on the market from cashew to walnut varieties. Let’s take a look at different types of nut butters.

Almond Butter

Almond butter can be used on waffles, added to your smoothies, baked goods and spread on toast. It has more calcium than peanut butter and 66% of the fat is present in the nutritious monounsaturated form. Look for the almond butter that doesn’t contain any added ingredients. It tastes creamy and fantastic.

Cashew Butter

Cashew butter is smooth in texture and sweet in taste. It is low in fat than other nut butters, most of its fat is monounsaturated and it is rich in copper, which is important for iron use in the body. Opt for a cashew butter that only contains salt and cashews.

Walnut Butter

High omega-3 content is found in walnuts. Omega-3 fats are good for heart health and also improve symptoms of arthritis. Walnut butter needs to be kept in the fridge because of the high concentration of omega-3s in it. You can spread it on toast or can combine it with your favourite peanut or almond butter for additional flavour.

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is a staple food for many people around the world. It can be used in a sandwich, mixed in smoothies or cookies. 2 tbsp of peanut butter delivers 7 grams of protein, which makes it a best breakfast option. When buying peanut butter, read the label carefully as many peanut butter brands, add sweeteners like corn syrup and sugar. Go for natural varieties that contain just roasted peanuts and salt.

Pistachio Butter

Pistachio butter is amazing. It is lower in fat and less oily as compared to the other nut butter varieties. It is rich in copper, which is responsible for the good strength in your tissues and bones while providing you with the instant and lasting energy.

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