{"id":22959,"date":"2025-11-13T11:00:45","date_gmt":"2025-11-13T16:00:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/?p=22959"},"modified":"2025-11-10T06:51:37","modified_gmt":"2025-11-10T11:51:37","slug":"im-a-uc-davis-clinical-professor-in-rehabilitation-this-is-my-favorite-food-and-my-kids-love-it-too","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/nutrition\/food\/im-a-uc-davis-clinical-professor-in-rehabilitation-this-is-my-favorite-food-and-my-kids-love-it-too-22959\/","title":{"rendered":"I’m a UC Davis clinical professor in Rehabilitation: This is my favorite food, and my kids love it too"},"content":{"rendered":"

Peanut butter<\/strong> is one of those rare foods that’s equal parts comforting and nutritious. Brian Davis<\/strong><\/a>, clinical professor of the UC Davis Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, calls it his favorite food, and for good reason. “It has protein, carbs and sugars. It’s a great recovery food and my kids love it”, he says.<\/p>\n

Turns out, this pantry staple does a lot more for your body than most people realize. Here, we’ll look at why peanut butter stands out as a nutritional powerhouse and how it can support everything from muscle repair to heart health<\/strong>. We’ll also share easy, realistic ways to work it into your meals.<\/p>\n

The health benefits of peanut butter<\/h2>\n

Peanut butter is one of the simplest, most nutrient-dense foods you can eat. It’s made from ground peanuts<\/strong><\/a>, which are naturally rich in protein, healthy fats, and fiber<\/strong>. A typical two-tablespoon serving packs around eight grams of protein, making it a satisfying and affordable way to support muscle recovery and steady energy throughout the day.<\/p>\n

The monounsaturated fats found in peanuts are similar to those in olive oil and avocado. These fats are linked to improved heart health and better cholesterol levels<\/strong>. They can help lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol while maintaining or even boosting HDL (“good”) cholesterol. For people watching their weight or blood sugar, that balance makes peanut butter a steady energy source rather than a quick sugar spike.<\/p>\n

It also contains a mix of important nutrients: vitamin E for cell protection, magnesium for muscle and nerve function, and niacin for energy metabolism<\/a><\/strong>. There’s also a good dose of antioxidants like resveratrol and p-coumaric acid, both known for their anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds help reduce oxidative stress, which can lower long-term risks for heart disease and type 2 diabetes.<\/p>\n

Even better, the natural fiber and fat combo in peanut butter helps slow digestion, keeping you satisfied longer<\/strong>. That’s why athletes and fitness experts often reach for it after training: it helps replenish glycogen stores without spiking blood sugar. As Davis points out, it’s an excellent recovery food.<\/p>\n

Simple ways to eat more peanut butter<\/h2>\n

The beauty of peanut butter is how versatile it is. You can mix it into just about anything\u2014sweet or savory\u2014without much effort. Try these ideas for your routine:<\/p>\n