6 foods that may surprise you…margarine and butter substitutes

Margarine or ‘spreads’ bought as butter substitutes are highly processed products often purchased by those looking to reduce their intake of saturated fats and cholesterol, and reduce the risk of heart disease. Some of these products are high in trans-fats which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, not reduce it.

Evidence suggests that foods high in saturated fats may not be as harmful as is commonly believed, and the relationship between the intake of fats and cardiovascular disease is not clear. Of course everything is about balance, and I’m sure everyone would agree that eating anything in excess isn’t going to be good for you.

Cholesterol is essential to life – we consume around 20%, our bodies make around 80% to produce bile acids, steroid hormones and Vitamin D. It’s the relationship between the protective and harmful versions that’s important.

Look at the ingredients. With butter, coconut oil, olive oil, ghee (clarified butter) they are simply that – often only 1 ingredient. Then take a look at the list of ingredients of a margarine or spread – I know which one I’d rather eat!

#heatlhyeating #fats #nutrition #healthyfood #butter #margarine #diet #cholesterol