Is margarine good for you?
Is margarine good for you? Often times, one’s first response would be no. But is that a programmed response from years of being fed certain messages?
Margarine actually has an interesting history. In the late 1860s, Napoleon III put out a contest for someone to develop an artificial butter, as shortages of actual butter were common. The idea was introduced to use beef fat instead of milk fat, along with colorings to make the substance yellow. Thus, margarine was created. Today, margarine is a little different, as it has switched over to using vegetable oil to reduce the use of saturated fat. Over time, many variations of margarine have developed, including several spreads.
How do you know if margarine is right for you? Ultimately, you have to make your own choice. You need to be critical of what you see and read the ingredients on the labels. Just because something is labeled as not having trans fats, it may just be that they don’t have enough to have to report it as an ingredient. Some margarine also notes that is non-GMO, yet an ingredient listed on the label includes soy. We know that 90% of the soy in the United States is a GMO product, so this is another question area. Other ingredients such as artificial and natural flavors may prompt you to wonder about their health impacts.
So is margarine good for you? The choice is yours. If you want to cut saturated fats, look into margarines. Be sure to read the labels and make an informed decision. Remember that hard margarines may have some sort of saturated fat, so it may be better to stick with softer margarines. Use the minimum amount possible or try to go without margarine completely. Be aware of what you’re putting in your body. Only then will you be able to make the best decision for you.
