The difference between butter and margarine: which is healthier? & bull; hello healthy

Butter and margarine are often mistaken for the same product, only the names are different. In fact, both are quite different products. Starting from basic ingredients to uses, butter and margarine have their respective properties.

So that you don't choose the wrong choice and end up harming your health and your family, consider carefully the complete information about butter and margarine below.

Is that butter?

Butter is a product made from the main ingredient of cream or milk from cows, goats, or sheep. Butter is also known by the name butter. In Indonesia, what you usually find in markets or supermarkets is butter from cow's milk.

The milk has been pasteurized or heated to kill bacteria and pathogens. Thus, the resulting product is safer and does not spoil quickly.

After that, the milk will be stirred in such a way that the solid fat part is separated from the liquid. Butter is usually sold in the form of bars or in a more liquid form that is packaged in plastic containers.

You may find yourself that the butter is mushy and melts easily if it is not stored in the refrigerator. Because of its light density, butter is usually used as an ingredient in pastries or as a spread for bread.

If you use butter as an ingredient in cake batter, usually the texture of the cake you make will be softer. The taste of butter itself is more delicious than margarine, similar to savory cow's milk.

What is margarine?

Margarine is a product made from vegetable oil (vegetable fat) and mixed with emulsifiers and other ingredients so that the texture is denser than butter. If left outside the refrigerator, margarine tends to last longer and doesn't melt quickly.

Usually margarine is used to make wet cakes and cake in order to tie the dough better. Because it is made from oil, this product is also often used for frying or sauteing.

In addition to a stronger taste, margarine will not leave oil attached to food when compared to ordinary cooking oil. Foods that are fried in margarine will taste more crispy.

Which is healthier?

Now that you know the difference between butter and margarine, now your job is to consider which one is the best. Choosing which product is healthier between butter and margarine is not an easy matter.

Each brand has different ingredients and additives, so you still have to pay close attention to the nutritional information and composition listed on the packaging. However, when viewed from the basic ingredients, margarine tends to be safer for your health and your family.

Unlike butter made from cow's milk, margarine does not contain animal fat. So, cholesterol and fat contained in margarine is not as high as butter.

As much as 80% of the butter itself consists of animal fat, namely saturated fat and trans fat. Both types of fat can increase cholesterol levels in the blood and are at risk of causing various heart diseases.

In addition, trans fats will also reduce good cholesterol (HDL) levels so that your cholesterol levels become unstable and balanced. One tablespoon of butter meets 35% of your daily saturated fat needs.

So, you should pay attention to how much butter you consume in one day, especially if you have heart problems or are trying to lose weight.

Compared to butter, margarine made from vegetable oils is rich in unsaturated fats which are good for health. Unsaturated fats function to reduce the amount of bad cholesterol (LDL).

Fat contained in margarine is also rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which are good for maintaining brain function and reducing risk factors for various diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, and kidney disease.

However, it should be noted that some margarine products contain trans fats which are bad for your cholesterol levels.

Tips for choosing the best butter and margarine

Because each brand offers different ingredients, you have to be careful in choosing the healthiest products. The denser the butter and margarine you buy, the higher the fat content.

As much as possible, choose butter and margarine packaged in plastic containers, not in the form of bars.

Pay attention if there is an inscription " whipped "On the butter package. This means that the butter has been whipped so that the texture is lighter and frothy.

Beaten butter contains more air and up to 50% less fat. However, sometimes this type of butter cannot be used as an ingredient in certain cake dough.

When you're shopping for margarine, look for products that say "trans fat free". Although it still contains unsaturated fats and cholesterol, it is at least less.

In the end, choosing the best butter and margarine needs to be tailored to your own needs. If you have heart disease or a similar disorder, consult your doctor which is the best safe and healthy option for you.

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