Would you like some melted Tupperware on your toast?

This is the question most often asked when comparing margarine to butter. Margarine was originally created to fatten up turkeys, just one major problem, it killed the turkeys. As you might imagine those who had money invested in this adventure were a little upset over the money they lost. The color yellow was added, a few different flavors and now margarine is the butter of choice in many homes.

It is true that margarine has 5 grams of saturated fat compared to 8 grams for the same amount of butter. The problem is that margarine is high in trans-fats; one of the leading causes of coronary heart disease.

If you are buying margarine check the list of ingredients, if you see partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, consider the following:

Compared to eating the same amount of butter

• Margarine and butter have the same amount of calories
• Margarine can increase heart disease in women by 53%
• Any nutritional value in margarine has to be added, butter has many
• Lowers the quality of breast milk
• Decreases your body’s immune response
• Decreases your body’s insulin response

The fact that I find not only surprising but frighten, there is only one molecule difference between the margarine you spread on your toast and the container it comes in. There are some new and improved margarines appearing in your grocery stores now, but please, before you take one home check the list of ingredients. 

Category: Nutrition