One of the reasons you might have taken peanut butter off the menu was to cut fat out of your life. There is no denying that peanut butter has fat (100 grams of peanut butter has 49 grams of total fat), but it’s essential to remember that not all fat is bad. Trans fats and saturated fats are the ones you need to watch out for since they can lead to high levels of “bad” cholesterol and a higher risk of heart disease (per U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Peanut butter doesn’t have trans fats (per U.S. Department of Agriculture). However, it does have saturated fats, so moderation is vital in making sure the saturated fat in peanut butter stays in the healthy range. Cardiologist Dr. Dennis Bruemmer told the Cleveland Clinic, “A two-tablespoon serving of peanut butter has a couple of grams of saturated fats but when you eat half the jar, that becomes an issue.” So, for your hair and body, make sure to watch your portions.
However, it’s important to note that peanut butter is also full of monosaturated fats. According to the AHA, they can benefit your health by reducing your risk of high cholesterol. Additionally, per 2018 research in the Journal of Cosmetic Science, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids are necessary to keep the hair shiny, healthy, and manageable since they make up 85% of the hair’s lipid content. But lipids are removed by everyday management of your hair, like styling and washing, so it’s essential to replenish them in your diet to maintain the strength and shine of the hair and avoid hair fatigue. Additionally, Dr. Michael Barnish, head of genetics and nutrition at REVIV London, told Daily Mail, “Nutrients are important at [for] keeping the hair from looking dull. When the cells of the hair follicle have adequate levels of ‘good’ fats then it can nourish the hair strand well, resulting in bright and vibrant hair.”