Why You Should Choose Real Butter for Better Health
By Genevieve Cunningham
Butter has gone through quite the debate over the years. Years ago, butter was the only real option. Then, along came margarine, the supposedly healthier option. After its introduction, margarine ("I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter," anyone?) became the hottest thing on the block. After some time, butter again came to the front as the better option. Confused yet? So is everyone else. As it turns out, after all of the back and forth and needless switching, butter might be perfectly fine for your health. Take a look at these reasons to stop worrying and just reach for the butter.
It’s Natural
People in today’s world are really into natural foods. We don’t want overly processed, man made concoctions. If this sounds like you, then choosing butter is a no-brainer. Butter is made from the cream or milk of an animal -- usually cow. It’s churned and churned (and churned some more) until it takes on the consistency of the butter that you know of today. Margarine is made from mostly vegetable oils and water. It’s a recipe that was designed to take the place of butter, but as it turns out, the natural fat in butter may not be so bad after all.
It Might Be Good for the Heart
Research has seemingly been swinging back and forth between whether butter or margarine is better for the heart. While both have their drawbacks, recent studies have shown that plain old butter doesn’t do any more damage to the heart than margarine. If eaten excessively, it can cause damage, but this is the case with all foods. In moderation, butter is unlikely to harm the heart in any significant manner, meaning you can eat guilt-free.
It Tastes Better
Let’s not beat around the bush with this one: Butter tastes a lot better than margarine. It’s richer, thicker, and creamier. The flavor is heavier, and it takes less to provide your food with some flavor. If you’re interested in flavor (and seriously, who isn’t?), butter is definitely the better choice.
If you’ve been trying to resist the butter for health reasons, you can stop. Don’t go overboard, but go ahead and feel free to enjoy this old-time favorite. Butter might not be the healthiest food on the block, but it might not be any worse than its counterpart. Grab a little butter and a dinner roll, spread liberally, and enjoy to your heart’s content.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Nashua, N.H.
