Three types of fats can be present in different foods. Trans fats, also known as partially hydrogenated oils, are processed oils that are solidified. You’ll find trans fats in fried foods, baked goods, and some of your favorite pie crusts. Because trans fats can raise your LDL cholesterol, the American Heart Association suggests nixing trans fats from your diet altogether. Peanut butter has no trans fats.
Saturated fats are typically found in animal products such as beef, lamb, cheese, and whole milk. Some plant-based foods like coconut and palm oils have saturated fat as well. Two tablespoons of peanut butter have 3 grams of saturated fat. The American Heart Association suggests keeping your saturated fat intake to 11 to 13 grams a day to lower your cholesterol. In other words, you don’t want to be adding peanut butter to all your meals.
Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats can improve your cholesterol levels if eaten in moderation. It’s also a good idea to replace foods high in saturated and trans fats with healthy unsaturated fats. Unsaturated fats are found in salmon, trout, avocados, and olives. Peanut butter gives you 10 total grams of unsaturated fat per two tablespoon serving.