Butter vs. Margarine: Understanding Cholesterol Content & Trans Fats

Cholesterol is a substance that is found in the human body that helps to build healthy cells and vital hormones. Cholesterol is found in animal products rather than plant-based products.

Butter

• Butter is made from cows' milk, an animal product. It therefore contains cholesterol.

Margarine

• Margarine is made from vegetable oil, a plant-based product that does not produce cholesterol.

Processes

• Some margarines are produced using the hydrogenation process which results in the production of trans-fats that increase blood cholesterol. In recent years, however, manufacturers have learned how to eliminate trans-fats from the process.

Expert Recommendation

• Dr. Martha Grodan, a cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic, stated that she instructs her patients who are at risk for heart disease to include margarine low in trans-fat as a diet choice, rather than butter.

The American Heart Association

• The American Heart Association also recommends that you choose margarine low in trans-fats rather than butter. Trans-fats raise the LDL, or bad cholestrol, in the blood.