The Nutrition of Peanut Butter and Honey

Peanut butter and honey can provide you with healthy eating whether alone or combined together. If you get an urge for a snack or unique dessert try using these foods for taste and nutrition. Peanut butter and honey have plenty of nutrients to make them useful for breakfast, lunch or anytime.

Peanut butter and honey are low in saturated fats and usually contain no trans fats. Check food labels to make sure products include no trans fats. Peanut butter contains monounsaturated fat, the healthy fat, HealthCastle.com points out. Monounsaturated fat helps lower total cholesterol levels and may reduce heart disease. Peanut butter also contains carbohydrates and protein. Honey consists mainly of carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, vitamins and minerals. However, too much of a good thing can add pounds. Peanut butter and honey have calories, so consume them responsibly if you are concerned about weight.

Peanut butter and honey contain carbohydrates for use as energy boosters. The simple carbohydrates found in processed peanut butter and honey may include fructose, maltose, sucrose and other sugars. The carbohydrates in honey provide fuel for working muscles to aid in post-workout recuperation, FoodReference.com notes. A honey-protein shake can work as well as other energy products following a vigorous workout, according to researchers at the University of Memphis Exercise and Sports Nutrition Laboratory. Because peanut butter also contains protein, a peanut butter-honey combination provides an energy boost.

Peanut butter is filled with essential nutrients, including vitamin E, niacin, folic acid, magnesium and oleic fatty acids, which may benefit the heart, according to the Health Services at Columbia University. Honey contains a wide variety of vitamins and minerals, including niacin, riboflavin, calcium, magnesium, potassium and zinc.

The vitamin E content in peanut butter and honey provide an antioxidant effect in the body. Antioxidants protect the body from cell damage to help prevent disease. Chemicals, called polyphenols, in honey may act as antioxidants, according to FoodReference.com. The vitamin E in peanut butter is equal to the amount in natural nuts and may protect against heart disease, HealthCentral.com points out.

Instead of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, substitute a little bit of honey for the jelly for an energy-boosting, protein-packed lunch. Use fiber-rich whole-wheat bread. Add some fresh apple slices for a healthier lunch. Put some peanut butter and honey on graham crackers, low in fat, for a healthy snack. Spread some peanut butter on celery sticks and add a dab or two of honey for extra flavor.