Representative Image 
Wellbeing

Little butter a day may not harm your heart

Consuming butter in limited quantities may not increase the risk of heart disease or stroke -- and it might actually be slightly protective against diabetes, finds a new study.

migrator

Chennai

The findings showed that patients suffering from heart problems or any related chronic diseases have no cause to worry as the increase in risk due to butter consumption was extremely small. Butter has been found as a healthier choice in comparison to sugar and starch-enriched food like white bread or potatoes. 

However, butter when spread on unhealthy foods like white bread may increase the risk of diabetes as well as cardiovascular diseases. “Our results suggest that butter should neither be demonised nor considered ‘back’ as a route to good health,” said Dariush Mozaffarian, Associate Professor at Tufts University in the US. 

On the other hand, consuming margarine and cooking oils rich in healthy fats such as soybean, canola, flaxseed and extra virgin olive oils are likely to lower the risks compared to butter or refined grains. 

“Even though people who eat more butter generally have worse diets and lifestyles, it seemed to be pretty neutral overall,” said Laura Pimpin, Data Analyst at the UK Health Forum. 

The study published in PLOS ONE, found mostly small or insignificant associations of each daily serving of butter with total mortality, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. 

“More research is needed to better understand the observed potential lower risk of diabetes, which has also been suggested in some other studies of dairy fat,” the researchers noted.

Visit news.dtnext.in to explore our interactive epaper!

Download the DT Next app for more exciting features!

Click here for iOS

Click here for Android

Initial probe suggests cough syrup scam has Samajwadi Party links: Adityanath

IIT-M, Google launch AI capacity-building programme for govt officials

BJP defends VB- G RAM G overhaul, says new Bill aims at Viksit Bharat

Demand for old pension scheme: GoM to hold crucial meet on Monday

No more Pit Bulls, Rottweilers in Chennai from Dec 20