However, this crunchy spread can also cause liver damage and life-threatening cancer.
According to controversial Australian Naturopath Barbara O'Neill, aflatoxins present in peanuts can cause both acute and chronic poisoning, which results in liver damage, cirrhosis, and even death.
O'Neill says in the Philippines, a disturbing pattern has emerged – children, some as young as 8, were succumbing to liver cancer at alarming rates.
Other Risk factors for liver cancerA few other risk factors associated with liver disease or cancer, are:Alcohol Excessive alcohol use increases your risk of liver cancer and cirrhosis or scarring of the liver.
Also, both hepatitis B and C can cause cirrhosis of the liver, which greatly increases your risk of liver cancer.
Aflatoxins in peanuts can cause both acute and chronic poisoning, resulting in acute liver damage, cirrhosis, and even death
Peanut butter is said to be among the most nutritious and protein-packed foods, loaded with iron, magnesium, and vitamins B6 and E. Potential benefits of peanuts and peanut butter include regulating blood sugar and cholesterol and supporting heart health. However, this crunchy spread can also cause liver damage and life-threatening cancer.
According to controversial Australian Naturopath Barbara O'Neill, aflatoxins present in peanuts can cause both acute and chronic poisoning, which results in liver damage, cirrhosis, and even death. O'Neill says in the Philippines, a disturbing pattern has emerged – children, some as young as 8, were succumbing to liver cancer at alarming rates.
What are aflatoxins?
Aflatoxin is a type of toxin caused by a fungus – certain kinds of Aspergillus that occurs naturally in hot and humid climates. It is known as a silent killer as it doesn’t change the taste of food. Aflatoxins contribute to up to 28 per cent of all liver cancer. It also leads to childhood stunting and immunosuppression. Aflatoxins are not easily broken down during normal cooking processes, and aflatoxin B1 is classified as a human carcinogen.
According to experts, half of the world’s population is chronically exposed to aflatoxins which are present in large numbers in peanut butter, made with moldy peanuts, consumed by millions.
This is because peanuts grow underground, where they can be colonized by Aspergillus. According to the National Cancer Institute, no outbreaks of illnesses associated with aflatoxins have been reported in most areas, but there are concerns about the long-term health effects of aflatoxins, particularly in developing countries.
Other Risk factors for liver cancer
A few other risk factors associated with liver disease or cancer, are:
Alcohol Excessive alcohol use increases your risk of liver cancer and cirrhosis or scarring of the liver. A "beer belly" - obesity is another risk factor.
Certain medical conditions
Some medical conditions also increase your risk, specifically diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and hemochromatosis – which happens when your body stores too much iron.
Also, both hepatitis B and C can cause cirrhosis of the liver, which greatly increases your risk of liver cancer. Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia have high rates of hepatitis B and C infection, resulting in part from lower levels of vaccination, in part from less use of disposable needles or medical equipment, and from the common practice of reusing acupuncture needles.
Gender
According to statistics, liver cancer is more common in men than in women. Even though the reasons are unclear, they appear to be related to the effect male hormones have during puberty and development. There is no direct link to testosterone.
