Short answer
Butter is not bad for you-- in moderation. Over the years, the “research” has jumped back in forth like a proverbial yo-yo. Ultimately, when in doubt go with the natural over the fake. When you give something up for something created with less fat, you usually gain something harmful.
Recommended Alternative
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Butter is a long time beloved dairy product that has gotten a bad name based on conflicting “scientific research”. This delicious condiment formed by the churning of milk or cream has been the source of much controversy. At one point, fearmongering steered people away from the naturally made product and towards the dangerous substitute, margarine. Anytime you replace something natural with something chemical, it is rarely a positive thing. The largest problem surrounding this common phenomenon is the lack of research surrounding the replacement product. We often do not discover the dangers of the product until it has been consumed for several years by trusting consumers.
Butter produced by grass-fed cows is rich in vitamins A, E, and K2. It contains long and medium chains of saturated fats, which have been proven to fight pathogens and the growth of fungus in the body. It is ironically rich in Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), a product sold as a weight loss supplement, due to its ability to increase metabolic rate. Butter is friendly to the gastro-intestinal (GI) system. Fatty acids called glycosphingolipids prevent infection from developing within the GI system.
The cholesterol found in butter, aids in the growth and function of the brain and nervous system and is extremely valued in young children. Breast milk contains high levels of cholesterol, to help meet this need in infants.
Cholesterol and saturated fats have gotten a bad name. Used in moderation, they can have many positive effects in the body. A recent study (2015) showed that butter has no link to stroke, heart disease, or diabetes—except in cases of overuse. Some studies have even found that in moderation, butter has properties that can prevent these ailments. Margarine is a dangerous substitution that has actually been correlated with heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. It is loaded with trans-fats and chemicals that are extremely harmful to your health. Unfortunately, many healthcare professionals continue to ignore current research and advocate towards butter substitutions. The key remains in moderation, as with most foods and beverages. Always keep in mind, the chemical substitutions for natural products are usually the more dangerous choice. Go ahead and enjoy some rich butter on your toast!
Possible short-term side effects
Possible long-term side effects
- obesity
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heart disease
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stroke
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- antifungal
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antibacterial
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gastrointestinal protection against infection
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nervous system development
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brain development
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weight loss (cla)
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vitamins a, e, k2
Healthier alternatives
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Earth Balance Buttery Spread
- Soy-free recipe
- Dairy-free spread
- Plant-based alternative
- Easy to spread
- Convenient 6-pack
Learn More!
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by DeeAnne Oldham
Published on: 02-17-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by DeeAnne Oldham
Published on: 02-17-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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