Moms of young kids aren’t the only ones stocking up on jars of peanut butter these days. A new study finds that peanut butter may help boost muscle power in older adults.
According to a Fox News report, “adults 65 and older who consumed about three tablespoons of peanut butter for six months improved their performance on a key lower-body function test compared to a control group.” They were able to sit and stand up from a chair five times in a row at a rate of about 1.2 seconds faster than those who did not.
That might not seem significant, but it is. The sit-to-stand test is an indicator of lower-body muscle power and functional independence. Experts say muscle power is especially important for preventing falls.
As an added benefit, the study found that participants who ate peanut butter also increased their protein and healthy fat intake without gaining weight.
An increased protein intake combined with resistance and balance training is critical during aging to prevent falls. According to the National Institute on Aging, more than one in four people age 65 years or older fall each year. The Centers for Disease Control says falls account for about three million emergency department visits each year for older adults.
To learn more about senior health and wellness, look through some of our other articles on Council of Seniors 365.
And be sure to stop by CouncilofSeniors.com to learn how we’re working to improve the financial well-being of America’s retirees.
