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By Jane Harrison, RD, HealthAtoZ writer
Since the reports of a link between peanut butter and salmonella, 370 cases have been reported nationally. Recently, salmonella was found at the ConAgra Foods plant in Georgia, where Peter Pan® and Wal-Mart's Great Value® peanut butter are made.
The only other known salmonella outbreak in peanut butter was in Australia in the mid-1990s. That outbreak was blamed on unclean plant conditions. Bacteria are normally killed when raw peanuts are roasted. When making peanut butter, the nuts are reheated above the salmonella-killing temperature of 165 degrees. They are ground into a paste and mixed with other ingredients before being put into jars and quickly sealed.
"The heating process is sufficient to kill salmonella, should it be present," said Mike Doyle, director of the University of Georgia's Center for Food Safety. Experts say the cool-down time, as well as when the product is placed and sealed in the jars, is when salmonella could be introduced and survive.
Is it Safe to Eat?
So, should you abandon your peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to avoid salmonella poisoning? Absolutely not. About 40,000 people in the U.S. get sick each year from salmonella. The major cause is eating uncooked or undercooked meats, poultry and eggs. Salmonella can cause diarrhea, fever, dehydration, stomach pain and vomiting. The illness usually lasts 5 to 7 days. Treatment is usually needed if the patient becomes seriously dehydrated or the infection spreads from the intestines. As with most illnesses, the elderly and those with weak immune systems are most at risk.
The Health Benefits of Peanut Butter
The health benefits and convenience of this source of protein and vitamins far outweigh the risks of infection.
- Peanuts help us absorb vitamin C and metabolize fat and protein. They also help strengthen nails and hair.
- Peanuts contain vitamin E, which helps prevent cancer.
- Peanuts are a good source of plant protein. There are about 7 grams in a 2-tablespoon serving. That's the amount of protein in one ounce of meat, chicken or fish.
- Half of the fat in peanuts comes from heart-healthy monounsaturated fat. About one-third is polyunsaturated and only the remaining one-fifth is saturated. Eaten in moderation, healthy fats are part of a nutritious diet.
- An ounce of peanuts delivers about 2-1/2 grams of dietary fiber, about 10 percent of the amount you need each day.
- Peanuts are high in resveratrol, a compound that is also found in red wine. It is believed to help prevent arterial plaques. Peanuts have more of this compound than grapes. Adding peanut products to your diet lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol. Studies show that people who eat about an ounce of peanuts, nuts or peanut butter per day decrease their risks for heart disease.
- Peanut butter makes a great topping for breads, waffles, bagels, toast, crackers, apple slices, celery or carrots. Go for the more natural brands like Smucker's Natural®, which contains only peanuts and a small amount of salt, and no added fats or sugars. If there is a little layer of oil on the top, stir it through with a knife and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay nice and creamy.
- Peanuts can be mixed with whole grain cereals, oats and dried fruit to make a delicious trail mix.
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