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This sweeter-tasting alternative has more calcium, magnesium and phosphorus—three minerals that work to strengthen bones—than peanut butter. Plus, a California study found that including 3  1/2 ounces (100 grams) of almond butter in a plant-based diet over four weeks reduced harmful LDL cholesterol, while slightly raising heart-protective HDL cholesterol levels in both men and women. “Even though almonds are high in fat, it’s mostly monounsaturated fat, which helps to drive down unhealthy cholesterol levels,” says registered dietitian Wendy Bazilian, co-author of The SuperFoodsRx Diet. Almonds also have more of the antioxidant vitamin E than peanuts and are spared the hydrogenated oil and sugars that are added to most processed peanut butters.

Prep tip:
Mix equal amounts of almond butter, soy sauce, lemon juice and honey, and drizzle on top of your greens.