A new study has found that eating too much butter could be raising your risk of death
Butter lovers, brace yourselves – a new study suggests that consuming more of the spread could increase your risk of death. However, there’s no need to eat your toast dry, as the researchers have identified healthier alternatives that could potentially extend your lifespan.
The Harvard study discovered that consuming more butter could heighten your mortality risk, while increasing your intake of plant-based oils could reduce it. The participants were divided into groups based on their reported consumption of butter and plant oils, and their mortality rates were compared over a span of up to 33 years.
Those who consumed the most butter had a 15 per cent higher risk of death compared to those who ate the least. On the other hand, those who consumed the most plant oils had a 16 per cent lower risk of death compared to those who consumed the least.
Published in JAMA Internal Medicine, the study also found that a higher intake of butter increased the risk of cancer-related deaths, while a higher intake of plant oils reduced the risk of dying from cancer or cardiovascular diseases such as stroke or heart attack. Olive, soybean, and canola oil were the plant oils associated with survival benefits, reports Surrey Live.
Dr Walter C. Willett, a noted professor of epidemiology and nutrition, has highlighted the health drawbacks of butter, stating in a talk with Harvard Health: “Butter has almost no essential fatty acids and a modest amount of trans fat – the worst type of fat for cardiovascular disease.”
He contrasted this with plant oils, noting their beneficial properties: “Plant oils, meanwhile, are high in antioxidants and unsaturated fats.”
Dr Willett further advised, “A little butter occasionally for its flavour would not be a problem,” but stressed, “But for better health, use liquid plant oils whenever possible instead of butter for cooking and at the table.”
Highlighting the risks linked with saturated fats, he pointed out that butter is significantly high in this substance which can increase cholesterol levels and consequently the risk of heart disease and stroke. The NHS cautions that adults in the UK typically consume an excessive amount of saturated fats and suggests a daily maximum intake: no more than 30g for men, 20g for women, and less for children.
Similarly, the American Heart Association urges that saturated fats should constitute a minimal percentage – under 6% – of one’s total daily caloric intake. For example, on a 2,000 calorie diet, saturated fats should account for no more than 120 calories.
Other food items rich in saturated fat include fatty meats, sausages, pies, ghee, lard, cheese, cream, ice cream, chocolate, biscuits, cakes, pastries, and some savoury snacks such as certain popcorns and cheese crackers.
