Peanut Butter Is the Power Protein Your Breakfast (and Body) Needs

Drinking a smoothie is the perfect way to start the day. Plus, drinks that are packed with nutrient-dense peanut butter help you power through the day. Here’s three ways that consuming peanut butter eases anxiety, ushers in rest, and improves memory. Also, three we have some delicious smoothie recipes that are worth giving a go.

Eases Anxiety

Researchers suggest that consuming peanut butter may help ease stress. Credit goes to the healthy fats in peanuts, which boost the production of calming alpha brain waves.

Ushers in Rest

Peanut butter is brimming with plant fats that increase the production of mood-enhancing serotonin — a hormone that’s essential for sleep. The benefit is so powerful, researchers at Loma Linda University Health found enjoying peanuts contribute to deep sleep.

Improves Memory

Consuming peanuts or peanut butter every day is a delicious way to sharpen your memory, according to a study published in Clinical Nutrition. A trio of nutrients (manganese, copper, and p-Coumaric acid) speeds the healing of damaged brain cells to sharpen memory by 41 percent.

Cocoa Banana Blast-off

Ingredients (Makes 2 servings):

• 1⁄4 cup peanut butter
• 2 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 2 bananas
• 1 cup almond milk

Directions:

In blender, puree all ingredients with 1 cup ice until smooth; pour into glasses.

Peanut Butter and Berry Shake

Ingredients (Makes 2 servings):

• 2 cups frozen raspberries + additional
• 2 cups frozen strawberries
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 1⁄2 cups almond milk
• Chopped peanuts

Directions:

Puree first 4 ingredients; pour into glasses. Top with peanuts and raspberries.

Apples ’n’ PB Enchantment

Ingredients (Makes 2 servings):

• 2 bananas
• 2 apples, cored, peeled
• 1 1⁄2 cups sweetened almond milk
• 3 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon honey

Directions:

In blender, puree all ingredients with one cup ice until smooth; pour into glasses.

A version of this article originally appeared in our print magazine, First For Women.