I disagree with advice given on types of fats to eat

Other conditions
1

I really disagree with the advice to avoid butter and use spreads instead. Butter is a simple food which is a good source of vitamin A. Spreads have multiple ingredients, including preservatives and all sorts of man made stuff. I think you're better off using butter or simple spreads (butter and oil only) rather than speads and margarine that are full of rubbish. I would like to see what other people think about this.

2

Margarine is rubbish, emulsified fat, colours and flavours, pure junk

3

Hi Gwendoline,

Can you let me know which area of the site this advice is in please? Is it part of the MyHealth advice or in one or more of our articles? I have had a quick look and can't see it but will have a look and pass on if we need to check it.

Thanks,

Alan

Emis Moderator

4

Hi Alan

"You should not have much saturated fats such as butter, lard, dripping, and unspecified margarine. Unsaturated fats are better, such as sunflower oil, olive oil, and low-fat spreads. "

This is what the website says on this page: patient.info/health/Healthy-Eating.htm

I don't disagree with limiting the amount of saturated fats obviously. However, butter does have some good nutrients (ie vitamin A) which is a plus over lard or dripping. And low fat spreads are usually full of rubbish. clover lighter and flora light for example both have over 10 ingredients each including flavourings, preservatives, emulsifiers and colour. Not sure what benefit that is to health! Butter has none of those. I think people need to learn portion control and eat better quality fats overall including olive oil, sunflower oil and I think butter has a place in there - in moderation! I think people rely too much on low fat products and their bodies end up craving sugar or more fat to replace the good quality nutrients they should be eating. Processed food is the biggest issue. Fats, sugars and salt are hidden in there and people have no idea what they eat or where their food comes from. But that's another issue.

Sorry, I didn't mean to be critical of you website. This is advice that is given everywhere and it has been bugging me.

5

Hi Gwendoline,

Thanks for that. I will pass on to the relevant people to see if they wish to alter the article or advice generally.

Alan

6

When you come to butter you can opt for low calorie butter availaible in any local market.

7

Butter still has saturated fat, and that won't change the fact of how it affects the body. What is important is that we prioritize the intake of unsaturated fat because they are considered to be healthy fats. However, consumming butter from time to time isn't much of a big deal and there's no major reason to avoid it, unless every meal is loaded with butter. I agree that it's a simple food compared to the weird composition of spreads. Way better to make your own though, plus you know what's in them.

8

Full fat kerrygold butter yum yum but of course im irish ha ha

9

Hi Gwen 

Thanks for bringing this up. Such outdated advice has been superceded even by government advisers speaking out.

The new 'Paleo' perspective (have you discovered it?) is very clear about the benefits of saturated fats, especially butter and raw virgin coconut oil in particular and about the detriment of processed oils...and margarine ... well I'm surprised it still in the shops...wants throwing out!!!!!!!