Ahhh Peanut Butter...

Why is Peanut Butter so addicting?!  I love it on dried fruit, fresh fruit, bread, tortillas, mixed with honey, maple syrup, and I could probably go on for an hour, but I'll spare you.  It's almost like my body wants peanut butter, not necessarily my taste buds.  And, I usually want it, lots of it, during the time when my body flips it's hormone production from estrogen to progesterone (aka PMS).

I did a little homework.  I actually googled why peanut butter is so addicting and I found out that it contains copper (mostly found in red meats), tryptophan and niacin (mostly found in chicken and fish),  protein, manganese, and folate.

Copper is important because it helps with arthritis, proper growth, connective tissues, brain stimulation, and so much more.   

Tryptophan is an amino acid that helps you sleep better and enhances moods.  Tryptophan is at work when larger amino acids tend to muscles when one exercises - hence the fact that working out makes people feel good.

Niacin is important for so many functions including but not at all limited to, blood circulation, digestion, helps in natural detox,  and can even slow the progression of HIV!

Protein, as so many know, is an essential nutrient in building bones, muscles, cartilage, skin and blood.

Manganese is a mineral that is an absolute for bone health as well as regulating blood sugar, healthy thyroid function, absorption of calcium, and much more!

Folate is vital in cell maintenance and repair,  DNA synthesis, formation of red and white blood cells,  inhibits colon cancer, and on and on.

So, craving peanut butter (all natural though - you don't want all that processing and sugar that comes with the other stuff) could be a way that your body is sweetly asking to replenish some of its much needed nutrients!  And as long as you are taking care of that vessel of yours, go ahead and have another spoon full (I am not a doctor though so if peanut butter does not do you well then by all means discontinue use)!