Add to food as a flavor enhancer, butter can take the flavor to a higher level. However, many of us have been told to reduce our consumption due to the high level of saturated fat.
Research in the 50s suggested that eating saturated fat was a risk to our heart health, so for decades this led doctors to say that butter was “bad” for us. However, more recent research has refuted this claim. When consumed in moderation, butter can provide health benefits, especially when it comes to cancer risk.
Butter can protect against cancer. Photo: Shutterstock
Because of the beta-carotene compound in butter, which has cancer-fighting properties, butter can help prevent canker sores, WebMD reports. This dietary antioxidant helps prevent cell damage caused by harmful chemicals called free radicals. Such damage has been linked to the development of cancer.
It is important to have beta-carotene in our diet, and many foods such as carrots and avocados are equally good choices.
But WebMD says that the beta-carotene in butter may help reduce the risk of lung or prostate cancer, although some experts say otherwise when it comes to milk. “We have some evidence that shows a correlation between milk consumption and the development of prostate cancer,” said Dr. Meroë Morse of the Center for Integrative Medicine MD Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Morse says that milk may be more effective in protecting against breast and colorectal cancer.
But if butter offers some protection against certain types of cancer, can the same be said for margarine?
This popular butter substitute has changed a lot over the years. In the past, margarine contained higher levels of fat, according to Harvard Health Publishing. Trans fats have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and hypercholesterolemia. Additionally, a 2012 study published in the International Journal of Cancer found that margarine’s trans fat content was associated with an increased susceptibility to certain types of cancer, including lung, colorectal and breast cancer. Since then, many brands of margarine have eliminated trans fat and instead are high in unsaturated fat (healthy fat).
However, both butter and margarine are high in calories, which can pose health risks if consumed in excess. Experts at Hartford HealthCare recommend instead choosing butter from grass-fed cows or choosing spreads based on olive or avocado, as these are richer sources of beta-carotene. is against cancer.
Source: Health Summary
2024-04-17 06:55:07
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