Margarine or Butter Are Either Good For You?

Most of us like a little butter or margarine on our toast in the morning. To me a roll tastes better with a little bit of butter on it at dinner and so does my baked potato. There has been a raging war between the people who insist butter is better for you and those who stand firm that margarine is better for your heart.

Food and nutrition information changes. We are continuing to learn more every day about the nutritional needs of our bodies and how different foods supply those needs.

So, what is the truth about butter and margarine? Let’s look at the facts.

Butter Facts

Natural
Produced from cow, sheep or goat milk
Butter is made from separating cream from milk
Contains saturated fats
Contains cholesterol
Source of protein
Source of calcium
Contains Vitamins A, D and E
Contains lauric acid
Calorie rich

Margarine Facts

Made from liquid vegetable oils
Through the process of hydrogenation trans fats can be formed
Contain unsaturated fats
Softer, easier to spread
Longer shelf life
Contains synthetic Vitamins A, D and maltodextrin
Calorie rich

History

Butter is high in saturated fat. When levels of saturated fat were linked to an increase risk of heart disease doctors wanted to limit our use of butter and the margarine industry was full speed ahead. These first margarines were high in trans fat which we now know is terrible for our health. The newer margarines that are trans fat free are much healthier than the old margarines.

Trans Fats

In 2018 partially hydrogenated oils were banned. This eliminated the trans fats in margarine.

With the elimination of trans fats margarines are much healthier than they used to be. Trans fats lower HDL the good cholesterol and raise LDL the bad cholesterol. Trans fats increase your risk for heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.

Trans fats can increase inflammation which isn’t good for those with arthritis or colitis.

Saturated Fats

Saturated fats increase your risk for inflammation and cardo vascular disease.

The new margarines and butter blends have less saturated fat than butter.

Healthy Choices

To facilitate good health you want to limit your intake of saturated fats and avoid all trans fats. You can compare butter, butter blend products and margarines by reading the labels and making an informed decision.

Takeaway

Whether you choose to use butter or margarine read labels and make an informed decision. Look for products than are low in saturated fats.

Both butter and margarine should be used sparingly. Both products contain saturated fats and are high in calories. To protect your heart health the current recommendation is to limit your saturated fat intake. Olive oil or nut butters may be an even healthier option to consider.