Latest news with #peanutbutter
The Sun
21 hours ago
- Health
- The Sun
A spoonful of common diet staple an hour before bed ‘helps you sleep better' – plus 5 other hacks
STRUGGLING to get a decent night's sleep? Well, you aren't alone, Brits are one of the world's most sleep deprived countries - as we average just six and a half hours of kip per night, stats show. 3 Thankfully, a scoop of this everyday food might be the answer, and it's probably already in your cupboard. A doctor has claimed that scoffing a spoonful of peanut butter an hour before bed could help you sleep right through the night. 'This is because it contains tryptophan, an amino acid vital for the production of serotonin, which can have a calming effect on your brain,' said Dr Kunal Sood, US-based anaesthesiologist. It also packs healthy fats, which help keep your blood sugar stable, a key factor in preventing those annoying 3am wake-ups. 'Lastly, peanut butter also contains magnesium, which has been shown to also relax you and improve sleep quality,' Dr Sood explained in a recent TikTok video. Although there's no research on the effects of peanut butter on sleep specifically, some studies back the idea that tryptophan-rich foods can improve sleep. That's because tryptophan can be turned into a molecule called 5-HTP, which your body uses to make serotonin and melatonin. Serotonin helps regulate mood, thinking and sleep, while melatonin is the hormone that controls your sleep–wake cycle. But a 2024 study found peanut butter didn't help sleep. Although the research, published in the International Journal of Exercise Science, only tested 40 firefighters, who often have disrupted sleep anyway, so the results might not apply to everyone. Your ultimate sleep toolkit in 13 steps - from recording snoring to daylight hack Dr Sood was reacting to a viral video posted by 29-year-old Kat Eilonwy from Pennsylvania, US, which has now racked up 1.8million views. She said: 'So, apparently eating a spoon of peanut butter before bed helps drop your cortisol levels to help you sleep.' Cortisol, often called the 'stress hormone' can mess with your sleep if levels are too high in the evening. Previous research, including the 2021 ARISTOTLE study, has linked regular peanut butter consumption to lower cortisol levels, along with reduced anxiety and depression. Commenters were quick to back the nut butter hack. One wrote: 'I discovered that a spoonful before bedtime helps me sleep through the night.' 3 Another said: 'Every night I take one slice of bread, slap some PB on it and fold it in half. I'm always asleep within 30 minutes of eating that.' A third added: 'It works! I've been doing it for three months, doing it to help my stomach when I couldn't sleep and noticed I slept better after a spoonful of peanut butter.' Dr Sood's followers also agreed. One said: 'I have trouble sleeping almost every night. Peanut butter has helped me a lot.' Another added: 'Wow okay good reason to eat peanut butter.' And a third added: 'I thought I was the only one who did this!' Peanut butter, or just peanuts, has also been linked to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and bowel cancer. But Dr Sood warned: 'It is worth noting while peanut butter may help some people sleep, it is not for everyone.' As one unlucky commenter put it: 'Dammit, I'm allergic to peanuts.' 5 other sleeping hacks The NHS says we should all aim for seven to nine hours a night — but even the best sleepers struggle sometimes. For most of us, a proper night's kip feels like the ultimate prize. So how do you actually get it? Here are some well-known hacks which might be worth a try: 1. The military hack Used by soldiers to fall asleep in just 2 minutes, this technique involves relaxing your entire body step-by-step, starting with your face, then your shoulders, arms, and down to your legs. Clear your mind and take slow, deep breaths. It is meant to work, even if you're lying in a noisy room. 2. The melatonin boost Melatonin is the hormone your body makes to signal bedtime. You can help it along by dimming lights an hour before sleep and avoiding screens. In the UK, melatonin supplements aren't sold over the counter—you need a prescription to get them. 3. Cool down to nod off Your body needs to drop its core temperature to fall asleep easily. Which can be a bit of an issue in the summer. Keep your bedroom cool, around 18C is perfect, and use breathable bedding. Cooler temps help you drift off faster and get deeper sleep. 4. Cut caffeine after midday That afternoon cuppa might keep you wired when you should be winding down. At least eight hours should pass between your last hit of caffeine and bedtime. Try switching to decaf or herbal teas after lunch to avoid a late-night buzz. 5. Breathe and relax Try slow, deep breathing or a quick meditation before bed. It calms your mind and body, making it easier to switch off and drift off.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Doctor reveals simple diet hack that can help you sleep better at night: 'Do it two hours before bed for the best night's sleep'
A doctor has claimed a spoonful of peanut butter before bed can help you sleep better throughout the night. This is because it contains tryptophan—an amino acid vital for the production of serotonin—'which can have a calming effect on your brain' said Dr Kunal Sood. Some studies have suggested different foods with tryptophan can help improve sleep quality. But it is also high in healthy fats which prevent blood sugar level spikes, which can be a cause for waking up during the night, added the US-based anesthesiologist. 'Lastly peanut butter also contains magnesium which has been shown to also relax you and improve sleep quality,' he said in a recent video posted on TikTok. These claims are backed up by research on other foods, but a study in 2024 found peanut butter didn't have a positive effect on sleep. However, the study involved 40 firefighters who commonly have sleep difficulties due to their work shifts, so the results may differ for the average person. Dr Sood was reacting to a video posted two years ago by a 29-year-old woman from Pennsylvania in the US that amassed 1.8million views. In the other video, Kat Eilonwy said: 'So, apparently eating a spoon of peanut butter before bed helps drop your cortisol levels to help you sleep.' Cortisol, often known as the 'stress hormone' can disrupt sleep if levels are elevated in the evening. Previously researchers have found those who regularly eat peanut butter have lower cortisol levels—so, the snack may help you wind down before sleeping. The study also found those who ate peanut butter reported lower levels of anxiety and depression. In the comment section of her video, one user said: 'I discovered that a spoonful before bedtime helps me sleep through the night.' Another user wrote: 'Every night I take one slice of bread, slap some PB on it and fold it in half. I'm always asleep within 30 minutes of eating that.' A third user added: 'It works! I've been doing it for three months, doing it to help my stomach when I couldn't sleep and noticed I slept better after a spoonful of peanut butter.' After posting his video, Dr Sood also received comments from social media user saying it has helped them. One user said: 'I have trouble sleeping almost every night. Peanut butter has helped me a lot.' Meanwhile another commented: 'Wow okay good reason to eat peanut butter.' A third commented: 'I thought I was the only one who did this!' Other health benefits of peanut butter include a lower risk of type two diabetes and colorectal cancer. However, at the end of the video, Dr Sood added: 'It is worth noting while peanut butter may help some people sleep, it is not for everyone.'
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fans Say This ‘Perfectly Crispy' Nostalgic Snack Tastes ‘Way Better Than the Little Debbie Version'
Fans Say This 'Perfectly Crispy' Nostalgic Snack Tastes 'Way Better Than the Little Debbie Version' originally appeared on Parade. If you grew up with a sweet treat tucked into your lunchbox, prepare for a serious blast from the past with a major upgrade. Snack fans everywhere are buzzing about a crispy, chocolate-coated treat that's reminding them of their childhood favorites... only better. Enter: Wonder Peanut Butter Wafers. Yes, the same iconic brand behind Wonder Bread. While the brand may be best known for white sandwich bread and colorful packaging, it's quietly stepped into the snack game and people are freaking out in the best way. Fans are loving these bars featuring layers of crunchy wafers stuffed with smooth peanut butter and finished with a rich chocolatey coating. They look familiar, sure, but the taste? That's where things get interesting. According to fans, they're lighter, crispier, and more peanut buttery than the classic Little Debbie version. 🍳 SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & fun food news in our daily Pop Kitchen newsletter 🍳 Instagram user @your_snack_dealer found the sweet treat at Meijer. One reviewer compared the experience to 'crunching into a memory, but with better texture.' Others are calling them 'dangerously good' and claiming they're the upgraded version of the peanut butter wafer snacks we all know and love. Shoppers say they're easy to find at major retailers, like Walmart and Safeway, and usually ring in at around $5 per box, making them an easy, low-risk treat to toss into your cart. Each bar comes individually wrapped, making them perfect for lunchboxes, glove compartments or just snack drawer emergencies. But what really has people talking is the texture. Where some wafer snacks can turn soft or overly sweet, these keep their crunch and balance, according to fans. The peanut butter is "smooth without being overwhelming," and the coating is just enough to give it that classic 'candy bar meets snack bar' feel. If you're looking for a new sweet snack to fall in love with, these throwback bars are having a serious moment. The nostalgia is real. But according to fans, the flavor might be even better than you remember. So if you see a bright red box with the Wonder logo peeking out from the snack aisle, don't hesitate. Grab it. Taste it. And see for yourself what all the crispy, peanut-buttery fuss is Say This 'Perfectly Crispy' Nostalgic Snack Tastes 'Way Better Than the Little Debbie Version' first appeared on Parade on Jul 14, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 14, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
One Piece of Advice to Parents Slashed Food Allergies in Children
New research highlights a crucial time window very early on in life, during which the introduction of eggs and peanut butter into the diets of babies significantly reduces the chances of them becoming allergic to these foods later on. The findings run counter to previous advice given to parents to avoid giving these foods to their kids until they're at least a year old over concerns that they might trigger allergic reactions. Here, researchers led by a team from the University of Western Australia compared the experiences of two groups of children in Australia: 506 whose parents got no specific feeding advice, and 566 whose parents were advised to start adding eggs and peanut butter to the diets of the infants at around six months. Related: "For the babies in group two – whose caregivers followed the updated guidelines and introduced peanut butter and egg around six months of age – egg allergy reduced from 12 percent to 3 percent, and peanut allergy reduced from around 6 percent to 1 percent," says Summer Walker, a health scientist at the University of Western Australia. In other words, earlier introduction of these foods at the six-month mark made a notable difference to the number of kids who went on to develop allergies by 12 months of age. Cow's milk was also included, though here the difference was smaller. The advice itself isn't new, and the six-month milestone has in fact now been added to the official Infant Feeding and Allergy Prevention Guidelines proposed by the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA). Testing the guidelines in real population groups confirms the recommendations are safe and effective. The parents of the second group of 566 were provided with hard copies of the ASCIA guidelines, and the researchers are keen to raise awareness of the latest expert advice on how best to reduce allergy risk. "By increasing the distribution of guidelines and encouraging health professionals to share the information, we can considerably reduce the incidence of food allergies in the community," says Walker. Understanding why allergies develop is a complex challenge, and it's important to note that these infants were only tested for allergies up to 12 months – and that allergies to peanut butter and eggs weren't completely eradicated. Nonetheless, amid signs that food allergies in children have been on the rise in spite of instructions to avoid specific food items, a review of the relationship between diet and immune responses is critical. This is just one part of the picture, but it's strong evidence that the latest guidelines do make a difference – even in relation to a higher level of genetic risk. All the babies involved in the research had a close relative with an allergy to one of these foods, and allergies often run in families. "Some parents are still confused about when to introduce allergens – especially those families with a history of allergies," says research dietitian Debbie Palmer, from the University of Western Australia. The research has been published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice. Mondayitis Could Have a Deadly Effect On Your Body Cannabis Use Is Linked to Epigenetic Changes, Scientists Discover To Tackle Our Obesity Crisis, Experts Say Everything We Do Must Change
ABC News
10-07-2025
- Business
- ABC News
Bega's 100 per cent Australian peanut butter continues despite processing plant closure
Bega Group says it will continue to produce 100 per cent Australian-grown peanut butter despite closing two processing plants in Queensland. The company announced yesterday it will wind up facilities in Kingaroy in the South Burnett and Tolga in Far North Queensland over the next 18 months. Chief executive Pete Findlay said the company would buy processed peanuts from another food manufacturer. "There's another processor in the Kingaroy region, so we will look to transact with that processor," he said. Mr Findlay said that when Bega Group purchased the Peanut Company of Australia in 2017, it was operating under "sustained financial pressure". "It was facing a fairly rocky future. We thought that we might be able to turn the business around," he said. But even after investing $15 million on plant improvements and lifting production from 8,000 tones to 25,000 tonnes, he said it never became profitable. "It's meant that we've incurred tens of millions of dollars of losses over that time," he said. Mr Findlay said the existing processor in Kingaroy had the capacity to produce the amount of product Bega needed to keep its 100 per cent Australian peanut butter on the shelves. Mark Young is the third generation on his family farm in Kingaroy; his great-uncle and grandfather Ben and Harry Young were known as the fathers of the region's peanut industry. Mr Young said it marked the end of an era. "It's a 100-year-old iconic business. I don't believe it ever needed to close," he said. "It had a brand label that was very well supported, had very, very loyal growers and it had very, very good people working for it. Mr Young's daughter, Kristy, who also works on the family farm, said the closure was devastating. "Generations before me have worked so hard to build this industry, and it feels like it's just been swept under the rug," she said. Mr Findlay said this year's crop was still being cleaned and shelled, and processing would continue at the site until its closure in December 2026. "We also need to give farmers a chance to think about what they want to do next season," he said. About 130km north of Kingaroy, the harvest has just finished at Ben Rackemann's peanut farms in Coalstoun Lakes. Most of his crop is sent to Kingaroy's other processor, Crumptons, and he expected peanuts to remain in his rotation next season. "I have a fair bit of confidence with Crumptons," he said. "I don't know about the entire industry, but I'm hoping that we will still have a certain amount of peanuts within that rotation." His wife, Stephanie, said her family had always considered the peanut industry to be relatively stable, but now it was clouded in uncertainty. "There have been some conversations over the past 12 months … it really changes how we are going to do things." While Mr Rackemann was optimistic about his operations, he was worried about what Bega's closure could mean for consumers. Last week, Coles recalled its home brand 1kg jars of smooth and crunchy imported peanut butter. Traces of aflatoxin — a type of toxic mould — were detected in jars dated best before 05/02/2027 that had been sold online and in stores nationally. "It's getting harder and harder to buy Australian peanut butter," Mr Rackemann said. "They are definitely out there, so I would urge everyone to go and buy [Australian peanut butter]." While the contaminated peanut butter had no connection to the Bega Group, Mr Findlay said there were stringent testing processes for all the food they produced. "We spend a huge amount of money on appropriate lab testing … we take quality incredibly seriously," he said. "It helps that we're producing the product here in Australia." In Far North Queensland, peanuts have been part of the rotation for farmers on the Atherton Tablelands for more than 90 years. Known for putting nitrogen back into the soil, peanuts are popular with sugarcane growers. Claude Santucci from Mareeba said peanuts improved soil health, cane quality, and yield. "[I'm] really disappointed and saddened to hear the news," he said. "If we're going to lose a peanut industry on the Tablelands, that will have an impact on some of these cane growers." Mr Santucci said corn and potato growers would also be affected, and it would not be easy to replace peanuts. "Soybean is probably going to be the most important crop or notable crop to replace peanuts," he said. "I'll certainly have to look at other options now, and it's not going to be very easy to do that either. "Peanuts were really nice crops to be growing."
