If you are following a vegan diet, then you might be well aware of margarine. Known as imitation butter, margarine is a boon for vegetarians as unlike butter, which is prepared from animal fat, it is made from plant fat. Used commonly for preparing cookies and cakes and as a replacement for butter, especially for bread and paratha, here is what you need to know about margarine before you opt for it, explains Dr Tejender Kaur Sarna, Nutritionist and Lifestyle Coach. Wondering how many calories does ghee or clarified butter have? Read this!
Margarine vs butter which is healthier?
As margarine is made from vegetable oils or fat, it contains a high amount of unsaturated fats namely monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). However, it is packed with trans fatty acids and free radicals, which outweigh the benefits of unsaturated fats. On the other hand, butter is a natural product, made from milk. Here's why replacing butter with vegetable oil might not keep your heart healthy.
Unlike margarine in which the healthy good fat is replaced by trans fatty acids, butter is loaded with saturated fats and polyunsaturated fats. Moreover, margarine contains synthetic vitamins but butter is loaded with antioxidants and vitamin A (carotene). Butter has a natural colour but bleaches and synthetic additives or preservatives are added to margarine to obtain the desired color. Also, butter as such needs no processing and is considered a natural product. On the other hand, chemicals, coloring compounds and emulsifying agents are added to preserve margarine for a longer time. Do you love butter on your breakfast toast? Read this NOW!
How much is too much?
Whatever might be your caloric intake, it is recommended that 20% of total calories should come from fats. With PUFA, MUFA, saturated fats, omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids needed for normal functioning of the body, it is important to make sure your daily dietary intake of fats fulfils the need. Also, excess fat in all forms, be it butter or margarine, is not healthy and hence, it is advised not to consume it on a daily basis. Also, read about cheese or butter what is better for diabetics?
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