WHY I DON’T EAT PEANUTS / PEANUT BUTTER.
First, let me point out – organic or not – you can get the purest, most organically grown non-GMO peanut in the world but it is the nature of the peanut itself and doesn’t have to do with pesticides or herbicides.
One of the most concerning toxins associated with peanuts is a mold that produces aflatoxin. Aflatoxin is a known carcinogen associated with liver cancer. Any food that is creating congestion in the liver may potentially impede its important functions, including detoxification and FAT-BURNING!
Why are peanuts so susceptible to toxins?
Nuts have a hard, protective shell (think about the shells of walnut and brazil nuts) and grow on trees. Peanuts (note, not an actual nut) have a soft, thin “shell” and grow underground. Growing underground with a thin, frail coating, peanuts are exposed to warm humidity that allows for the growth of molds. Peanuts can also grow mold during storage, shipping, or even on grocery store shelves if not cared for properly (and I highly doubt the truck driver and grocery clerk are thinking about your health while transporting and storing the goods!).
Lectins
Peanuts also contain anti-nutrients known as lectins which are sticky proteins found in different foods. The stickiness and structure of lectins, however, makes them almost impossible to digest and bind to cells in the human body, leading to inflammation!
The better option:
I’m a lover of almond butter, and of course other options like cashew, walnut, and even pecan butter are available. Tahini, hemp butter, and Organic Sunbutter are also a great options if you have to avoid nuts altogether.
