By Janet Vargas - Independent Natural Health Researcher 30+ Yrs
With Assistance of AI
I'd like to share with you some INFO I found today with an AI APP named Chat GPT I have commenced working with for part of my Research. I have to watch it with some things, but it is Good to Very Good with most things I've searched so far - especially for Gardening.
I asked CHAT the Questions in Red and what I'm Adding for You is in Italics - OK?
Because Peanut Paste is all the rage in recent months and people are adding it to all kinds of Recipes from Savoury to Baking to Sweet, I think I should advise people against the Commercial Jars of it (that have Nasties) and at-least direct them to the Natural one without Nasties from Aldi, and from Health Stores - Freshly Made.
If you're using Peanut Paste regularly, compare the ingredient lists. Some products are simply 100% peanuts, while others contain Added sugar, oils, salt, emulsifiers, or other ingredients. Choose the version that best matches your Nutritional Goals.
Almost always, when Oils are added to Ingredients in Commercial Foods/Products, they are the Nasty ones like Canola, Sunflower Oil, Vegetable Oil (most times is SOY Oil) Safflower, Corn or Grapeseed Oil. None of those are good. Over time, they have a destructive effect on Our Health. And the same applies when most Emulsifiers are used. Sorry to say "I can't help that" I can only advise.
Some commercially packaged peanut butters are genuinely just peanuts (or peanuts plus a little salt).
Please always Check Ingredients (no matter what the Manufacturer's Claims are) if you want your Peanut Paste (or other foods) to be Safe and Nutritious.
On the other hand, I can certainly see why you advise:
- 100% peanuts only.
- Freshly ground peanut paste from Health-Food Stores.
- Products without added sugar or unnecessary ingredients.
Given your interest in Natural Health and Whole Foods, that is understandable. There's truth in what you're saying.
100% Peanut Paste is a Very Different Food from Many Commercial Peanut Spreads
A Pure Peanut Paste made from Nothing but Peanuts is essentially:
- Peanuts ground into a paste.
- Naturally containing protein, fibre, healthy fats, magnesium, vitamin E, and other nutrients.
- Free of added sugars, hydrogenated oils, emulsifiers, and artificial flavourings.
Many of the Criticisms People Have of Commercial Peanut Butters Relate to Products that Contain:
- Added sugar.
- Added oils.
- Excess salt.
- Various additives.
In that sense, lumping a 100% Peanut Paste together with Highly Processed Spreads can be misleading.
The two "schools of thought" often focus on different questions
The positive view tends to emphasize:
- Plant protein.
- Satiety.
- Healthy unsaturated fats.
- Nutrient density.
- Convenience.
- Evidence that nuts are generally associated with good health outcomes when eaten as part of a balanced diet.
The cautious view often raises concerns about:
- High calorie density.
- Potential overconsumption.
- Individual sensitivities or allergies.
- Aflatoxin contamination (which is tightly monitored in many Countries but still discussed).
- The fact that some people tolerate nuts better than others.
These are not necessarily contradictory. Both can be true.
A moderate amount of 100% peanut paste could fit quite naturally into that pattern.
For example:
- On wholegrain toast.
- In a smoothie.
- In satay-style sauces.
- Combined with fruit such as apple slices.
One thing I'd keep in mind
Because Peanut Paste is Energy-Dense, it's easy to consume several tablespoons without noticing.
That's not necessarily a problem, but it's worth being aware of.
AI Overall View
If I compare:
100% peanuts, nothing added
with
Peanut spread containing sugar, added oils, flavourings, and multiple additives
I would regard them as quite different foods nutritionally.
That doesn't automatically make the pure version a miracle food, but it does make it easier to evaluate on its own merits.
Given your Focus on:
- More protein,
- Better nutrition,
- Less reliance on Highly Processed Foods,
a genuine 100% Peanut Paste seems entirely consistent with those directives.
One thing I'd be curious about as a Fellow Observer of Food Habits: when you say you've researched Both Sides, are you referring mainly to debates about Lectins and Anti-Nutrients, or are you thinking more about Omega-6 fats, Aflatoxins, and Inflammation? Those tend to be the two most common areas where opinions diverge.
Because Peanut Paste is all the rage in recent months and people are adding it to all kinds of Recipes from Savoury to Baking to Sweet, I think I should advise people against the Commercial Jars of it and at-least direct them to the Natural one without Nasties from Aldi, and from Health Stores - Freshly Made.
I’m interested in helping you make Informed Decisions with the Peanut Paste you Buy.
Not to stop buying it because when wisely chosen, it does have Nutritional Benefits.
- Read the ingredient list.
- Simpler is often better.
- 100% peanut products are available.
- Freshly ground versions can be an excellent option.
Dr William Li, a really good Natural Scientist and Health Advocate cautions about them due to Aflatoxins. What exactly are they? How do they affect people? And is the 100% Peanut Paste ok for people in small amounts? Because Everyone Likes it!
That's a good question, and it's one of the main concerns that comes up whenever peanuts are discussed.
What are Aflatoxins?
Aflatoxins are naturally occurring toxins produced by certain moulds, primarily species of the fungus:
- Aspergillus flavus
- Aspergillus parasiticus
These moulds can grow on crops such as:
- Peanuts
- Corn (maize)
- Tree nuts
- Some grains
particularly when crops are exposed to warm, humid conditions before harvest or during storage.
Why are Aflatoxins Discussed so Much?
At high exposures, Aflatoxins can damage the liver.
Over many years, chronic exposure to significant amounts of aflatoxins has been associated with an increased risk of liver cancer, particularly in regions where:
- Food testing is limited.
- Storage conditions are poor.
- Contamination levels are not routinely monitored.
This is why Aflatoxins are taken seriously by food safety authorities.
What about Australia and Other Developed Countries?
Countries such as Australia, New Zealand, the UK, the EU, Canada, and the US have:
- Testing programs.
- Regulatory limits.
- Food safety monitoring.
Contaminated batches are generally prevented from entering the food supply.
As a result, exposure levels from commercially sold peanut products are typically much lower than the levels discussed in studies of chronic Aflatoxin toxicity.
Does this Mean Peanuts are Dangerous?
Not necessarily.
This is where the debate often becomes polarized.
One side says:
Peanuts may contain Aflatoxins, therefore avoid them.
The other side says:
Peanuts contain protein, fibre, healthy fats, and beneficial nutrients, therefore eat them freely.
The reality is usually somewhere in between.
What About 100% Peanut Paste?
If you're buying:
- Fresh Peanut Paste from a reputable supplier,
- Or a 100% peanut product from a retailer with normal food safety standards,
then the Aflatoxin issue is generally managed through the Food Supply Chain.
For most healthy people, a modest amount of 100% Peanut Paste is not considered problematic.
What does "small amounts" look like?
For example:
- 1 tablespoon on toast.
- A spoonful in a smoothie.
- A small amount in a satay-style sauce.
- Incorporated into baking.
Those are very different from eating large quantities every day as a major dietary staple.
GOOD NEWS
There are ways you can make Your Own Peanut Paste and I will back to let you know how:)
Hope this Helps many of You. Cheers!