Introducing the NEW 'PB & J'!

Week 8…

Smucker's Sugar-Free Blueberry Preserves

Overview:  Fruit preserves are made with whole or large pieces of fruit, and are available in a wide variety of flavors.  Smucker’s Sugar-Free blueberry preserves are produced with your choice of Splenda or NutraSweet.  Blueberries provide numerous, noteworthy health benefits, and having these spread on warm toast in the morning, is an excellent way to start your day!

The Good News:  Blueberries have recently been referred to as a “super food.”  They provide age-fighting support, help combat disease, lower blood pressure, help protect the heart and brain, and can even boost your memory. Blueberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber. These ‘blue’ berries get their blue/purple color from their antioxidant providing components, called anthocyanins.  Research suggests that these anthocyanins are the constituents of blueberries that may help prevent diseases like cancer, heart disease, stroke, and memory loss. Smucker’s Sugar-Free Blueberry Preserves are available in most major supermarkets and serve as a perfectly delicious partner for your favorite nut butter!

The Bad News:  Blueberries are among a small number of foods that contain naturally occurring oxalates, which if concentrations of these accumulate in the body, can crystalize, which can lead to health problems. People with untreated kidney disease or gallbladder problems, may be advised to avoid/limit blueberry consumption.  Blueberries are among the top 12 foods most frequently found to contain pesticide residues. Those wishing to avoid potential pesticide-related health risks, should choose to consume organic blueberries, and organic blueberry preserves and jams.  Smucker’s Blueberry Preserves are very tasty and available at most major supermarkets, however when not on sale it ranges from $3.19 - 3.79, per 12oz jar.

Final Grade:  B

Week 9....

Nature’s Promise Organic (Creamy) Almond Butter

Overview:  Almond butter is an excellent way of enjoying one of the most heart healthy, nutritious nuts, almonds.  For individuals allergic to peanuts, almond butter serves as the perfect substitute for the ‘P’ in ‘PB & J!‘  Nature’s Promise uses only organic ingredients and no salt or hydrogenated fats and oils, and it meets all USDA certification requirements.

The Good News:  Almonds are highly nutritious, and offer many heart healthy benefits.  They are an excellent source of fiber, monounsaturated fat, protein, vitamin E, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and phytochemicals. Many years of research support the role of almonds in helping to maintain a healthy heart and healthy cholesterol levels. Nature’s Promise Organic Almond Butter uses organic, dry roasted, unblanched almonds which are rich in monounsaturated fats and free of trans fats, hydrogenated oils, and artificial ingredients. Each 2 TBS serving contains 180 calories, 5 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, and just 1.5 grams of saturated fat.  It contains NO trans fat. Combine the heart healthy benefits and wide variety of healthful nutrients of Nature's Promise Organic Almond Butter, with the antioxidant-rich, disease-fighting benefits of Smucker’s Sugar-Free Blueberry Preserves, and you’ll have created one ‘Super Sandwich.’  We’ll have to call it: the ‘AB & J!’

The Bad News:   Remember the old phrase: “too much of a good thing,” when consuming this deliciously creamy almond butter.  Due to its high monounsaturated fat content, almond butter (as are all nut butters) is high in calories.  Stick to one serving at a time and you’ll receive a heart healthy dose of nutrition, while not adding to your waistline.  Unfortunately, this is one pricey product.  Nature’s Promise Organic Almond Butter goes for about $10.67 per 16oz jar - wait for it to go on sale!

Final Grade:  A-