Butter has a bad reputation in foods. It has fats and calories. But a dietitian states that this might not be totally true. In fact, butter could assist weight loss.
Butter and calories
Since a very long time, butter has been shifted into the bad and unhealthy food category. It is high in fats, saturated fats and hence calories. There are claims that it could lead to weight gain, obesity, and ensuing problems such as atherosclerosis, heart diseases, strokes, high cholesterol, loss of blood vessel elasticity, and diabetes too. The increased weight lowers insulin sensitivity. Hence blood sugar does not decrease and the levels get higher than normal. This leads to diabetes mellitus type 2.
Butter (Source: Wikipedia)But Los Angeles-based nutritionist and author of Eat Right When Time Is Tight, Patricia Bannan states that one can enjoy this bread spread and at the same time lose weight successfully. Is it possible?
How to have butter and yet lose weight?
In foods, everything in moderation is good. Either complete elimination or excessive consumption of certain foods are bad. The same applies to butter. Consuming it in moderate quantities adds taste to the food without causing adverse effects. It is only in excessive amounts that the butter spread can harm the body.
The popular bread spread (Source: Southern Living)Patricia explains that if used in sparingly small amounts, it can in fact help people to lose weight. According to her:
“A little butter [could] encourage you to eat more nutrient-dense foods like vegetables,”
“[So] it may be worth including in your diet.”
She feels that portion control is vital for effective weight loss despite it. She cautions against overeating this food due to multiple problems linked with it.
Benefits of butter
Patricia states:
“Butter adds a wonderful flavour and mouthfeel to foods.”
“But it’s fat and calories can add up quickly, especially if you’re unaware of how much you’re using.”
No doubt butter is full of fats. But it is also rich in calcium and this mineral strengthens bones and teeth. WebMD says that it has substances in it that can lower the risk of obesity. It goes well with low carb foods.
Also, read Margarine vs butter: which is better?
Health benefits (Source: Pinterest)Due to its high palatability, it is likely that some may overconsume it. Be aware of this problem with butter and resist the temptation to eat more of it. Then all will go well.
This spreadable food should not be the only source for dietary fats. Patricia suggests that one can drizzle one teaspoon of melted butter onto vegetables or mix it with sauce. This simple addition can enhance the taste of low calorie foods and make them palatable.
Better alternatives are available for this spread. Nut butters are good options. Dietitian Sarah Haas says:
“Nut butters are loaded with healthy unsaturated fats plus a myriad of vitamins and minerals,”
Read more: Hummus: ingredients, recipe, health benefits!
Olive oil, hummus made from chick peas, and avocado oil can also be tried. The latter has oleic acid and vitamin E both if which are healthy for the body. While hummus has a lot of protein and dietary fiber. And olive oil is a healthy oil.