Question: Is butter better, or margarine?
Answer: It may be a toss-up. Both margarine and butter have the same number of calories and fat grams. Butter is a good source of vitamin A and margarine is a good source of vitamin E. Margarine may add unhealthy trans-fats to the diet, while butter adds saturated fats, which have been associated with an increased heart disease risk. Some margarines have been created without trans-fats and may be healthier than either regular margarine or butter.
The American Heart Association recommends using non-hydrogenated cooking oils like canola or olive oil. Olive oil has also been associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association also recommends margarine over butter.
I suggest that it is OK to use margarine or butter sparingly, and just for flavor. Use nonhydrogenated oils like canola oil or olive oil for cooking. Another idea is to use healthy oils like rice bran oil or walnut oil.
Resources:Margarine.org
American Heart Association
National Dairy Council on Butter
