Butter vs. 'Not' Butter

Butter, margarine, and “buttery” oil-based spreads have one thing in common: All consist almost entirely of fat. So, is one product better for you than another? It all depends on the product’s saturated fat and/or trans fat content, both of which raise LDL ("bad") cholesterol and increase the risk for coronary heart disease.

These tips can help you find the least harmful butter and butter spreads:

• Choose products with the lowest amount of saturated and trans fat.

• Select nonhydrogenated butter spreads; avoid products containing partially hydrogenated oil.

• Buy “light” butter and spreads, which offer fewer calories per serving but still are nearly 100 percent pure fat.

• Opt for spreads and whipped products over solid sticks.