What You Need To Know About Butter And Margerine

Both are very common and widely used but which bread spread is healthier? Butter or Margarine?

Butter

Pros: Butter is natural, made from just one or two ingredients: cream, and sometimes salt. Because it is low in calcium and has high fat percentage, it is not considered as a dairy product.

Cons:  The cream in butter contains both saturated fat and cholesterol. These two ingredients are capable of raising blood cholesterol and increasing the risk of heart and vascular diseases. One tablespoon of butter also contains a whopping 100 calories.

Margarine

Margarine is made from a combination of mono and polyunsaturated fats combined with other ingredients to make a spread which can serve as “butter”, but with a different taste.

Pros: The saturated fat in margarine is lower than that of butter and it is made from vegetable oils, so it contains no cholesterol.

Cons:  Even though it is lower in saturated fat than butter, margarine still contains about the same amount of total fat and calories as butter. Margarine contains high levels of omega-6 fatty acids. They may still contain some trans fat, as well.

Bottom line: No one is healthier than the other as both have their pros and cons and need to be taken moderately.