This debate seems to be a debate that has lasted for decades. I mean who doesn't
love the taste of butter? Unfortunately for us, butter and margarine are both
about the same amount of calories and they both taste pretty good, but which one
is better for you? Then you have the imitation butters which do have less fat
than both butter and margarine, but what else do they have in them? So here's
the scoop! Butter is made from cream which is from an animal and therefore has a
high content of animal fat. Animal fat is not good for you as it can lead to
heart disease and increase you bad cholesterol and lower your good cholesterol;
especially in its solid form. Butter spreads have added vegetable oils which
actually make the butter spread more easily and are slightly better for you than
solid butter. Margarine is also 80 percent fats; however, the fat in margarine
is usually derived from plant oils like sunflower seeds etc. This is where you
see on the label polyunsaturated or monounsaturated labels. These fats are
actually good for you by giving your body healthy fats. Unfortunately, some
margarine contains Tran’s fats which are just as bad for you as animal fats.
Hydrated is bad. If you see this on the label don't buy it. This is where they
pump hydrogen into the margarine to help it become a solid. It has also been
reported that nickel and cadmium are sometimes byproducts of margarine. Oh my!
What now! Both butter and margarine are regulated and must have at least 80
percent fat, so it’s what type of fat it is and what is the other 20 percent
made of. You certainly should hope that it is water. Many have water listed on
the label first. Spreads are only required to have 40 percent fat, so most of
these contain much more water than both margarine and butter. Some of them even
taste like butter. So if you are going to use an imitation spread, use one that
you like the taste of. So which one do you use? Both butter and margarine can be
used interchangeably to bake. You really cannot use butter to fry because it
will breakdown under heat. Margarine is slightly better. Spreads
contain a
lot of water so if you used it to fry, it would come out mushy.
I cook a lot
with olive oil which can also be used to dip bread. Make a little pesto and
yummy. Not only does it taste good, it's better for you.Personally I prefer
butter but use all three in moderation. I am not a doctor so you have to make
your own choices, but I am interested to hear your thoughts or questions. So
let's discuss.
Dan
love the taste of butter? Unfortunately for us, butter and margarine are both
about the same amount of calories and they both taste pretty good, but which one
is better for you? Then you have the imitation butters which do have less fat
than both butter and margarine, but what else do they have in them? So here's
the scoop! Butter is made from cream which is from an animal and therefore has a
high content of animal fat. Animal fat is not good for you as it can lead to
heart disease and increase you bad cholesterol and lower your good cholesterol;
especially in its solid form. Butter spreads have added vegetable oils which
actually make the butter spread more easily and are slightly better for you than
solid butter. Margarine is also 80 percent fats; however, the fat in margarine
is usually derived from plant oils like sunflower seeds etc. This is where you
see on the label polyunsaturated or monounsaturated labels. These fats are
actually good for you by giving your body healthy fats. Unfortunately, some
margarine contains Tran’s fats which are just as bad for you as animal fats.
Hydrated is bad. If you see this on the label don't buy it. This is where they
pump hydrogen into the margarine to help it become a solid. It has also been
reported that nickel and cadmium are sometimes byproducts of margarine. Oh my!
What now! Both butter and margarine are regulated and must have at least 80
percent fat, so it’s what type of fat it is and what is the other 20 percent
made of. You certainly should hope that it is water. Many have water listed on
the label first. Spreads are only required to have 40 percent fat, so most of
these contain much more water than both margarine and butter. Some of them even
taste like butter. So if you are going to use an imitation spread, use one that
you like the taste of. So which one do you use? Both butter and margarine can be
used interchangeably to bake. You really cannot use butter to fry because it
will breakdown under heat. Margarine is slightly better. Spreads
contain a
lot of water so if you used it to fry, it would come out mushy.
I cook a lot
with olive oil which can also be used to dip bread. Make a little pesto and
yummy. Not only does it taste good, it's better for you.Personally I prefer
butter but use all three in moderation. I am not a doctor so you have to make
your own choices, but I am interested to hear your thoughts or questions. So
let's discuss.
Dan