WHY WE AVOID IT:

Because it’s high in fat and calories. Compared to peanut butter, it’s a little more expensive and a little more difficult to find.

WHY WE SHOULD EAT IT:

Consider almond butter the healthier cousin to peanut butter. It has more than twice the magnesium, 42% more phosphorus, 692% more calcium, twice as much fiber, 86% more iron and 169% more vitamin E. As for fat, almond butter contains about 50% more healthy monounsaturated fats than peanut butter. Almond butter can actually reduce cholesterol levels and reduce blood pressure, making it a heart-healthy food. Since almond butter is almost always all-natural, there are no added sugars or additives. Research published in the journals Metabolism and the Journal of Nutrition found that almond butter has the ability to significantly lower blood sugar levels, making it a delicious spread that prevents obesity and diabetes. It sounds counterintuitive, but this high-fat, high-calorie butter can actually help you lose weight.