Butter is a staple in many refrigerators and is used for everything from frying to spreading on bread and serving with potatoes.
However, eating butter every day can affect the body in both the short and long term, according to Parade.
Contains fats
Butter is a source of fat that helps the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins from other foods. It can also make meals feel more filling and satisfying.
Vitamins
Dietitian Alissa Rumsey explains to Parade that butter can help the body absorb nutrients such as vitamin A more effectively when eaten together with foods like sweet potatoes.
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Downsides of butter
Although butter has nutritional benefits, Alissa Rumsey points out that it is also high in saturated fat, which should be limited.
These people should be extra careful
People with familial hypercholesterolemia may have difficulty processing saturated fat. This can lead to elevated cholesterol levels.
Inflammation
Dietitian Danielle LaFata explains to Parade that saturated fat is generally considered more inflammatory than unsaturated fats found in foods such as oils and fish.
High in saturated fat
One tablespoon of unsalted butter contains seven grams of saturated fat. That equals half of the daily limit recommended by the American Heart Association.
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The effect depends on the person
How butter affects the body depends on factors such as activity level, overall health, eating habits, and how much butter is consumed.
Using butter
There is a difference between eating vegetables with a small amount of butter and eating fried dishes cooked with large amounts of butter every day.
Low energy
According to Alissa Rumsey, meals that are high in fat but low in carbohydrates or protein can lead to energy crashes in some people.
Weight gain
Danielle LaFata emphasizes that butter is calorie-dense. If a person consumes more energy than the body needs, it can lead to weight gain.
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The heart may be affected
A high intake of butter over a long period may increase the risk of high cholesterol and heart disease due to its saturated fat content.
Alternatives
To better protect heart health, experts recommend fat sources such as olive oil, avocado oil, sesame oil, and walnut oil.
Margarine may be a better choice
According to Mayo Clinic, margarine is often better for the heart than regular butter because it mainly consists of unsaturated fats.
Not all margarine is the same
Parade emphasizes that some types of margarine are healthier than others, which is why consumers should read nutritional labels carefully.
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Everything in moderation
Experts stress that eating a little butter from time to time will not necessarily harm the body, but consuming large amounts over time may become problematic.
Sources: Parade, American Heart Association, and Mayo Clinic.
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