What is the information for this topic? Using butter or margarine can be a hard decision. Is one topping healthier than the other? Margarine is made from unsaturated vegetable oil. Butter is high in both saturated fat and cholesterol. Saturated fat increases the risk for heart disease. It raises both the total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood. The LDL cholesterol is known as "bad" cholesterol. The "bad" cholesterol clogs arteries and blood vessels. It also increases the risk for heart disease. Margarine does not contain cholesterol or saturated fat. Margarine does contain trans-fats. Scientists have found that trans-fats may raise LDL blood cholesterol levels. Trans-fats are created when liquid oils are partially hydrogenated to make them more solid. Stick margarine is a solid fat.
Margarine is made from unsaturated vegetable oil, which is a healthier choice. Tub and squeeze-bottle margarines are more liquid. In general, they have fewer trans-fats than stick margarines. The American Heart Association recommends margarines made from liquid vegetable oil. This should be the first ingredient listed on the food label. It should have no more than 2 grams of saturated fat per tablespoon. There are also margarine spreads and sticks that contain no trans-fat. These would be the best choice for margarine.
Presently the Food and Drug Administration does not require the amount of trans-fats to be included on the food label. That may soon change. Saturated fats are required on food labels. Check margarine ingredient lists and look for "Partially Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils" to look for trans-fats.
A heart-healthy diet has no more that 30% of total calories from fat. The American Heart Association recommends eating 20% of calories as unsaturated fat. The remaining 8% to 10% can come from saturated fat. Limiting total and saturated fat a person's diet, will help to reduce the amount of trans-fats. Moderate amounts of either butter or margarine can be part of a healthy diet. A person's whole diet and general health must be considered in the choice.
Author: Kimberly Tessmer, RD, LD Reviewer: Kimberly A. Tessmer, RD, LD Last Updated: 04/09/00 Contributors Potential conflict of interest information for reviewers available on request
