Peanut Butter Cups: To Eat or Not To Eat?

Image from David Wolfe’s article, “3 Reasons You Should Stop Eating Peanut Butter Cups!”

Introduction

In 2017, Health Guru David Wolfe posted a story on his page, www.davidwolfe.com, entitled “3 Reasons You Should Stop Eating Peanut Butter Cups!” The post quickly gained a following on social media, receiving over 200,000 shares, which is not surprising considering the shock factor this story contains by villainizing everyone’s favorite candy, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. The story was also republished through several other websites, some of which include, 100yummy.com, maxteem.com, and healthyfoodhouse.com. The reasoning behind his claim that people should no longer eat peanut butter cups, is the presence of soy lecithin, PGPR, and TBHQ. However, after reviewing claims made by the FDA, EFSA, and other sources, it is apparent that Wolfe’s claim is another example of fake news that has become so common in our social media-centered society.

Claims

1. Wolfe first attacks the use of soy lecithin, a common food additive derived from soy. He claims that it has been linked to, “ detrimental effects on fertility and reproduction … behavioral and cerebral abnormalities [and] … breast cancer.”
2. Next, Wolfe undertakes polyglycerol polyricinoleate, or more commonly known as PGPR. He asserts that it is “connected to gastrointestinal problems and allergic reactions in children.”
3. His last target is tertiary butylhdroquinone, TBHQ for short, an additive used in foods to extend the shelf life. He believes that it is responsible for “nausea, vomiting, ringing in the ears, delirium, and collapse … damage [of the] the lungs and umbilical cells in humans … stomach cancer … anxiety, restlessness and intensified ADHD symptoms.”

Image from David Wolfe’s article, “3 Reasons You Should Stop Eating Peanut Butter Cups!”

This image was likely included in the article to intimidate the readers. It highlights sections of the large intestine and glands within the breast, causing the reader to associate the ingestion of peanut butter cups with the ailment of these places.

A Deeper Look

With more research into the three ingredients in question, soy lecithin, PGPR, and TBHQ, it is evident that they are quite harmless, especially in such small amounts.

1. Wolfe’s claim against soy lecithin was based on an outdated study conducted on rats. Researchers gave these rats extremely high doses of soy lecithin, nearly 1000 times the amount present in a normal human’s diet (Snopes). Not only was this study unrealistic originally, but it is now over thirty-six years old, making it even less reliable. In reality, soy lecithin has been deemed as “Generally Recognized as Safe” by the FDA, posing no true concern for the health of people.

2. Studies conducted through the European Food Safety Authority have concluded that “there is no indication of significant adverse effect” associated with the ingestion of PGPR and that it “is not of concern with regard to genotoxicity or carcinogenicity” (EFSA).

3. TBHQ is recognized as safe to eat by the FDA in small amounts. Similar to soy lecithin, many findings apply to laboratory animals, like rats, so it is hard to be certain about the true effects high doses can have on humans. Due to its high controversy, TBHQ is quite regulated by the FDA, it can only account for “0.02 percent of the oils in a food” (Healthline).

Wolfe promotes his own recipe for an alternative version of the treat, right after putting down the Hershey’s brand peanut butter cups. This is a perfect example of why people cannot just believe anything they read on their friend’s Facebook page or on the blog post that pops up on their suggested page. Many writers often have underlying motives that will lead them to promote their way of thinking, even if it is false. This article has been proven as misleading and inaccurate, so no need to worry friends, you can continue to enjoy your peanut butter cups, regardless of what the fake news claims.

Sources

Kasprak, Alex. “Three Reasons You Should Stop Eating Peanut Butter Cups.” Snopes, 2017, https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/peanut-butter-cups/. Accessed 10 March 2021.

Mortensen, Alicja. “Re-evaluation of polyglycerol polyricinoleate (E 476) as a food additive.” European Food Safety Authority, vol. 15, no. 3, Mar. 2017, PubMed, doi: 10.2903/j.efsa.2017.4743. Accessed 10 March 2021.

Schaefer, Anna. “Is Soy Lecithin Good or Bad for Me?” Healthline, 2019, www. healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/is-soy-lecithin-good-or-bad-for-me . Accessed 10 March 2021.

Schaefer, Anna. “The Potential Dangers of TBHQ.” Healthline, 2019, www.hea lthline.com/health/food-nutrition/potential-tbhq-dangers. Accessed 10 March 2021.