Pamphlet

References:

Ehler, J. (2009). Peanut Butter. Food Reference.

Retrieved July 1, from � HYPERLINK "http://www.foodreference.com/html/fpeanutbutter.html" ��http://www.foodreference.com/html/fpeanutbutter.html�

Enserink, M. (2008). Nutrition science: the

peanut butter debate. Science, 3: 36-

38.

Parker-Pope, T. (2008). A PB&J for the Planet?.

The New York Times. Retrieved July 1,

2008, from � HYPERLINK "http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/09/a-pbj-for-the-planet/?pagemode=print" ��http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/09/a-pbj-for-the-planet/?pagemode=print�

ShopRite. (2009). Shop Online. Retrieved July 1, 2008, from � HYPERLINK "http://www.shoprite.com" ��http://www.shoprite.com�

Weil, A. (2005). Perplexed about peanuts.

Retrieved July 1, 2008, from

� HYPERLINK "http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/QAA1" ��http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/QAA1� 15491

New York Medical College

Put Name Here

ENV 5001: Environmental Influences on Human Health

Summer 2009

The Peanut Butter Debate

Which would you choose?

Organic!

Here’s Why:

Tests for Aflatoxin detection in peanut crops and PB brands across the board show that levels are well below the 20 parts per billion limit set by the US Government.

There has never been an outbreak of liver cancer caused by Aflatoxin, not even in children, who are known to consume high amounts of PB.

Considering both regular and organic PB are at risk for salmonella contamination, as demonstrated by the recent outbreaks, the additives to regular PB making it higher in total fat, saturated fat, sodium & sugar, and lower in fiber & protein, and the lack of exposure to plastic containers, choose organic if your health is worth a $1.50 extra to you!

Is Regular or Organic Peanut Butter Healthier?

Peanut Butter Facts:

Regular (ShopRite):

-Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 2 tbsp

Calories: 190

Total Fat: 17g, Saturated Fat: 3g

Sodium: 160mg

Total Carbohydrates: 7g, Dietary Fiber: 2g, Sugars: 3g

Protein: 6g

Iron: 4%, Calcium: 2%

-Ingredients: Roasted Peanuts and Peanut Oil, Corn syrup, Hydrogenated Grapeseed and Cottonseed Oils, Salt.

-Cost: $1.99/18 oz ($0.11/oz)

-Storage: Anywhere

Organic (ShopRite):

-Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 2 tbsp

Calories: 190

Total Fat: 16g, Saturated Fat: 2g

Sodium: 125mg

Total Carbohydrates: 7g, Dietary Fiber: 3g, Sugars: 1g

Protein: 8g

Iron: 4%, Calcium: 2%

-Ingredients: Organic Dry Roasted Peanuts, Sea Salt

-Cost: $3.49/16 oz ($0.22/oz)

-Storage: Refrigerate after opening

Some Interesting Tidbits About PB

Peanuts are actually legumes (think beans and peas), not nuts, despite their name. Peanuts grow underground unlike nuts which grow on trees

Adding fuel to the East Coast vs. West Coast debate: creamy is preferred on the EC and chunky is preferred on the WC

PB was primarily only eaten in the US up until the 1960s

Arachibutyrophobia is the fear of PB sticking to the roof of your mouth

Consuming one ounce of PB a day cuts heart disease risk by 25%

The Controversy

Regular:

Pros:

-cheaper

-tastes sweeter and smoother

Cons:

-synthetic and processed ingredients such as hydrogenated oils and corn syrup

-higher in total fat, saturated fat, sodium and sugar

-lower in fiber and protein�

Organic:

Pros:

-Lower in sugar, fat and sodium

-No corn syrup or hydrogenated oils

-Often packaged in a glass container instead of a plastic one

Cons:

-Can contain Aflatoxin, a toxin produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, which are molds that grow on peanuts in warm, moist conditions

-more expensive