Monthly Archives: February 2023

5 Health Benefits of Peanut Butter

Back by extremely popular demand is the next installment of our “Health Benefits Of” blog series. 

Last time we blew your mind to smithereens by teaching you about the health benefits of cookies, and today we take enthrallment to the next level by adding peanut butter to the list. 

Not only is peanut butter a delicious treat that pairs well with just about anything, but it can also be quite good for you. Now, before you get too excited, know that Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Ben & Jerry’s Chubby Hubby ice cream, and The Elvis Burger layered with peanut butter are not good for you—like, at all. 

The health benefits discussed below apply to peanut butter that’s low in sugar and minimally processed. 

1. Peanut Butter Can Be Heart-Healthy 

Yes, the household spread is known to help lower your risk of heart disease. 

We’re about to get sciency here

One of the key fats in peanut butter is oleic acid, which, when substituted for other types of fats in our diet, can help maintain healthy levels of cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure. By managing these levels, the risk of heart disease can be lowered. 

Peanut butter also contains omega-6 fatty acids, which can help reduce bad (LDL) cholesterol and increase protective (HDL) cholesterol. 

Oh we’re not done. Peanuts are a natural source of arginine, an amino acid that promotes good blood vessel function, potentially preventing heart and vascular disease. 

2. Helps with Weight Management 

Peanut butter can fill your belly without making you pay for it. 

The types of fats found in peanut butter, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, have been associated with a reduced risk of weight gain and obesity when consumed as part of a healthy diet. 

When combined with other nutrients like protein and fiber, which are also found in peanut butter, these healthy fats can help keep us feeling fuller for longer periods of time, which can reduce the likelihood of overeating. 

3. Manages Blood Sugar Levels

Peanut butter is relatively low in carbohydrates, but rich in healthy fats, protein, and some fiber. 

Because of its nutritional makeup, peanut butter has a minimal impact on blood glucose levels and can be a great option for people with diabetes, especially if it is free of added sugars.

Oh, but there’s more:

A study found that women with obesity and a high risk of type 2 diabetes who ate peanuts or peanut butter for breakfast reported lower blood sugar levels and less hunger than those who ate a carbohydrate-rich breakfast without nuts. 

4. Boosts Brain Function 

We can all use a good brain boost, right?

Peanut butter is a good source of several nutrients that are important for brain health, including vitamin E, niacin, and folate. These nutrients play a crucial role in supporting cognitive function, memory, and overall brain health.

Peanut butter also has a reputation for boosting serotonin levels, because it contains tryptophan, an amino acid that is essential for the production of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and can help reduce anxiety and depression.

5. A Source of Energy

Need more pep in your step? Enter our friend, peanut butter. 

It contains all three main macronutrients that are essential for our body’s needs and for giving you energy. When we consume 100 grams of peanut butter, we get around 22 grams of carbohydrates, which make up about 14% of the total calories, and 5 grams of fiber.

More sciency stuff: 

Peanut butter is packed with protein to the tune of 22.5 grams per 100 grams of peanut butter, which is comparatively more than most other plant-based foods. 

And it’s high in fat, with around 51 grams, contributing to 72% of total calories. 

🚨SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT🚨

Our Collegiate Corner Gift Basket is an exception to the healthy rule. Among all kinds of delicious goodies, it features peanut butter bites that may be high in calories and sugar, but they’ll make any college student feel loved. 

About BasketWorks

BasketWorks is a woman-owned gift basket company located in the north suburbs of Chicago (specifically Northbrook, IL) since 1997. We are proud to offer a variety of gifts and gift baskets appropriate for all occasions. Each of our packages is built to order, allowing for customization at no additional cost to our clients. Contact us today! Please subscribe to our blog post and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

The Super Bowl: How to Entertain for the Big Game

Ah, the Super Bowl. That glorious time of year when we gather around the TV with friends, family, and a refrigerator full of snacks to watch people much more athletic than us play a game of tackle-and-catch. 

But what makes a Super Bowl party truly epic, besides the billions of dollars riding on it? The way you entertain. Today, we present a guide on how to host like a champ. 

Get Your Game Face On

I don’t care how old you are. 

Make sure to choose a side even if your favorite team isn’t playing, and don some gear. Throw on an Eagles or Chiefs jersey, paint your face, or wear one of those giant foam we’re number 1 hands. You can even hedge your bets by representing both teams. 

Pro tip: The more ridiculous the outfit, the better. Have no shame. 

Snack-tacular

Snacks are the MVP of any Super Bowl shindig, they are the touchdown dance of hunger and the halftime show of taste buds. Without them, the party would be like a game without cheerleaders, or a quarterback without a helmet.

Wow, that’s laying it on thick. 

Stock up on chips, dips, and anything else you can think of that will satisfy those hunger pangs (or numb the pain of your team or faux team losing).

The Drinks Are on Me

Don’t forget the drinks! Whether you’re serving up soda, beer, or something stronger, make sure to have enough to quench the thirst of even the most enthusiastic fans.

Also, cut them off if you have to so that people can safely drive home. 

Game On!

While the game is playing, make sure to have plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained.

You can organize a halftime show, play a drinking game, have a Super Bowl squares betting tournament, or just throw a bunch of random stuff at the TV when your team messes up.

Trash Talk

Trash talking during a football game is like the spicy seasoning in a bowl of chili: it adds a bit of extra flavor and excitement to the competition. 

It’s the playful banter between opponents, the friendly ribbing between friends, and the lighthearted exchanges that make the game all the more fun. 

Of course, it’s important to remember that trash talking should be done with levity and never cross the line into disrespectful or hurtful territory—unless someone deserves it. 

At its best, trash talking is just another way to show enthusiasm and love for the game. 

Have Fun, Dammit!

The most important thing to remember is to have fun. 

Whether your team wins or loses, you’ll still have a great time with friends, food, and drinks. And if all else fails, just remind yourself that the commercials are by and large intriguing.

🚨SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT🚨

Throwing a party is exhausting, so you deserve some R&R afterward in the form of our Inner Zen Relaxation Gift Basket, built in a faux leather storage box, including a mini Buddha Board drawing easel, Aloe infused socks, travel candle, black raspberry vanilla soap, and more. 

Have a great Super Bowl Sunday!

About BasketWorks

BasketWorks is a woman-owned gift basket company located in the north suburbs of Chicago (specifically Northbrook, IL) since 1997. We are proud to offer a variety of gifts and gift baskets appropriate for all occasions. Each of our packages is built to order, allowing for customization at no additional cost to our clients. Contact us today! Please subscribe to our blog post and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.