Butter contains saturated and trans fats, both of which may increase the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, or bad cholesterol.
Most of the saturated fat in our diet comes from animal products, including red meat, eggs, and dairy. These foods also all contain cholesterol.
Many people believe that eating lots of cholesterol will directly increase the level of cholesterol in their blood. However, the USDA Dietary Guidelines from
Read on to learn more about the link between butter and blood cholesterol levels. We also suggest some butter substitutes and explain how to lower cholesterol.
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One tablespoon of unsalted butter
The American Heart Association (AHA)
Eating lots of saturated fats can increase a person’s LDL cholesterol level. As butter contains a lot of saturated fat, people with high cholesterol should be mindful of how much they consume each day.
However, a review of papers from
Despite this, the
High cholesterol may not always produce noticeable symptoms. Therefore, some people may need a blood test to check their serum cholesterol levels. It is essential to monitor cholesterol in the blood as high levels can lead to a condition called atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis can cause the following problems:
- hardened arteries
- chest pains
- heart attack
- stroke
- peripheral arterial disease
- kidney disease
While many people use medication following a high cholesterol diagnosis, the following lifestyle changes can also help:
- eating lots of healthy, heart-boosting foods, such as fibrous whole grains, healthy fats, and foods high in omega-3 fatty acids
- limiting intake of partially hydrogenated oils, fried foods, and foods containing trans fats
- eating plenty of fruit and vegetables
- replacing fatty meats with lean meats, such as turkey, chicken, and fish
- including fibrous and protein-rich plant sources, including lentils and beans, in the diet
- exercising for at least 30 minutes every day
- limiting alcohol intake
- quitting smoking
- trying to maintain a healthy weight
Oils that are high in unsaturated fat but low in saturated and trans fats are heart-healthy substitutes for butter. These include avocado, olive, and sunflower oils.
Some people use margarine in place of butter, but there is conflicting evidence regarding this replacement. Margarine uses vegetable oil, so it often contains less saturated fat than butter, which contains animal-based fat. However, hard margarine can also contain saturated and trans fats, so it is best to check the nutrition labels.
If a person has high cholesterol, they can ask their doctor about using stanol-based spreads or sterols, which may help reduce cholesterol levels.
It is possible to quickly compare the nutritional profiles of different butter alternatives using the
Some people with high cholesterol may need medications, but doctors will usually always recommend these additional dietary changes initially:
- cooking with healthful oils, such as olive, avocado, or sunflower oil
- using yogurt instead of butter, cream, or sour cream
- choosing grass-fed butter
- using butter sprays in place of butter to add flavor
Recent research counters the original belief that cholesterol in the diet strongly influences blood cholesterol. Being mindful of saturated and trans fat is essential though, as these may contribute to the rise in blood cholesterol. People with high cholesterol may have a higher risk of certain conditions and diseases such as atherosclerosis, stroke, and heart attack.
Butter is high in calories and fat, so people should eat it in moderation or replace it with healthy unsaturated fats. Eating a lot of butter may contribute to weight gain and could play a part in raising levels of LDL cholesterol.
A person can continue to enjoy butter in moderation as part of a healthy diet unless their doctor tells them otherwise.