Creamy, flavorsome butter was a dietary staple for many families over the generations, but it has taken a bad rap in recent years. The main culprits include fat and cholesterol. However, some researchers are beginning to note that butter can actually protect the body from heart disease and other disorders when consumed in moderation.
Research suggests the rich vitamin A contained in butter is necessary for thyroid and adrenal health to keep the heart functioning properly. It also contains anti-oxidants to protect against free radical damage and weakening of the arteries. The saturated fats in butter offer strong anti-tumor and anti-cancer properties, according to some researchers. It has even been shown to protect against gastrointestinal infections in the very young and elderly. Butter is considered to be the most easily absorbed source of vitamin A.
What's more, the cholesterol found in butter may be a potent anti-oxidant to help prevent heart disease. The hydrogenated or processed polyunsaturated oils found in butter substitutes may be more detrimental to health than the saturated fats of butter. When consumed moderately, butter contains enough fat to provide satisfaction and fewer hunger cravings later on. The healthy variety of oils and fats found in butter can supply the body with enough nutrients for daily energy.
What to Look for
Because moderation is best when it comes to a variety of foods, including butter, many chefs and manufacturers are discovering ways of enhancing butter. They may use healthy additives, such as extra virgin olive oil, an excellent source of monounsaturated fats. These good fats are necessary for cell development and also protect against many diseases. So, many manufacturers are promoting butter products made with olive oil. These products contain no cholesterol and no trans fat (the fat that can raise LDL cholesterol). They taste just like butter--because they are--but they are also a great way to enjoy butter in higher amounts without dietary worries if that happens to be a concern. Consumers can also look for butter made with organic whole milk.
Common Pitfalls
The debate on butter's healthy and non-healthy properties may continue for some time. It consists of saturated fat, a significant source of bad cholesterol. However, as noted earlier, those fats can protect against the body's other enemies. The key is to consume butter moderately, or find butter products that include no cholesterol or trans fat. As with other dairy products, butter has similar allergy-causing proteins for people with dairy allergies.
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