Peanuts Cut Mortality Risk. Peanut Butter Does Not

Adding to existing benefits of nut consumption for people with cardiovascular disease, a new study from Netherlands now claims that it can also lower risk of death from neurodegenerative conditions, diabetes, respiratory diseases and cancer.

Researchers at Maastricht University analyzed data collected through the Netherland Cohort Study involving 120,000 Dutch women and men. The study has continued since 1986 with participants aged 55-69 years. Researchers used self-reported data on tree nuts, peanut and peanut butter consumption to arrive at their findings. While peanut and tree nuts were associated with a decreased risk of death, peanut butter consumption was not associated with such benefits.

"It was remarkable that substantially lower mortality was already observed at consumption levels of 15 grams of nuts or peanuts on average per day (half a handful). A higher intake was not associated with further reduction in mortality risk. This was also supported by a meta-analysis of previously published studies together with the Netherlands Cohort Study, in which cancer and respiratory mortality showed this same dose-response pattern," said Project leader Professor Piet van den Brandt.

Peanuts and tree nuts contain antioxidants, useful fatty acids and fiber which are known to benefit the body. Peanut butter on the other hand contains vegetable oils, and salt which can inhibit the benefits of peanuts, researchers opined.