Peanut butter may pack plenty of protein, fiber, and stick-to-your-ribs satisfaction, but to reap the diverse health benefits of nature’s nuts and seeds, you’ll have to look beyond the standard jar of Skippy. Although most nuts and seeds share similar qualities, each boasts its own nutritional perks because nuts and seeds become concentrated when they are ground into butters.

The power of Almond
Rich in calcium, magnesium, and potassium, almond butter strengthens bones and helps maintain muscle and nerve function, making it ideal for athletes. These nutrients also boost the body’s immune system and help ward off disease and infection. Studies suggest that almonds may also reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.

Try This: To boost immunity and build muscle before or after a workout, top spelt bread with almond butter and some banana.

Cashew for energy
During his heyday, muscleman Arnold Schwarzenegger swore by cashew butter. It contains iron, which, combined with its high protein content, will pump you up. Say “hasta la vista” to low energy with a spoonful. With the creaminess of dairy but without all that saturated fat, cashew butter is rich in B vitamins, which boost metabolism, increase skin and muscle tone, enhance the immune and nervous systems, and promote cellular health.

Try This: Add cashew butter to a smoothie for an energy-boosting breakfast. Include it in a sauce for noodles and fish (or poultry) for added protein.

Purify with pecan
Perfect for detoxifying, pecan butter boasts a comprehensive dose of antioxidants, including vitamins A, B, and E, folic acid, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. One tablespoon has 25 percent more oleic acid, a heart-healthy staple of a traditional Mediterranean diet, than a tablespoon of olive oil.

Try This: For a sweet, detoxifying snack, spread pecan butter on apples or pears.

Walnut to ward off fat
A great source of Omega-3s, eating a daily serving of walnuts may lower cholesterol and decrease the risk of heart disease. A 2006 study by the Lipid Clinic in Barcelona, Spain, found that walnuts proved more effective than olive oil at countering the ill effects of high-fat foods. The reason? Walnuts contain alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that helps maintain the elasticity of the arteries, which aids circulation.

Try This: Blend walnut butter, lemon juice, garlic, and chickpeas to create a heart-healthy hummus.

Soy for bone health and more
Lower in fat than most nut butters, soy provides protein, fiber, and cancer-fighting phytochemicals. Soybeans are the only significant food source of isoflavones, proven to inhibit bone loss, relieve the symptoms of menopause, combat cancer, and lower cholesterol and blood glucose.

Try This: Spread soy butter on dark chocolate for a dessert rich in antioxidants and protein and low in saturated fat.