One food that has recently been making headlines is butter. Some media outlets are claiming that butter is “back” and that it’s okay to consume in moderation. But as with any health claim, it’s important to look at the science behind it.
Firstly, let’s look at what butter is made of. Butter is made from the milk of cows, and is primarily composed of fat, specifically saturated fat. Saturated fat has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, so it’s important to limit our intake of this type of fat.
One study that has been cited as evidence that butter is not as harmful as we once thought is a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies, which was published in 2016 in the journal PLOS ONE. The review analyzed 9 studies that looked at the association between butter consumption and various health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and all-cause mortality.
The study found that butter consumption was not significantly associated with cardiovascular disease or diabetes, but was associated with a slightly increased risk of all-cause mortality. However, it’s important to note that this study was based on observational studies, which cannot establish causality. Additionally, the studies included in the review did not control for other dietary and lifestyle factors that could be affecting the results.
On the other hand, a randomized controlled trial published in 2010 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that replacing saturated fat with polyunsaturated fat, such as that found in vegetable oils, resulted in a 19% reduction in cardiovascular events. This suggests that replacing saturated fat with healthier fats could be beneficial for heart health.
Furthermore, butter is not a significant source of any essential nutrients. It does contain some vitamin A and vitamin D, but these can be obtained from other sources such as fortified milk or fish. Butter is also high in calories, which can contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess.
In conclusion, while butter in moderation may not be harmful to everyone, it’s important to remember that it’s high in saturated fat and calories and low in essential nutrients. For those looking to improve their heart health, it’s best to limit saturated fat intake and focus on consuming healthy fats from sources such as nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils.