Margarine is a butter substitute that came into the picture back in the 1800s, originally as a cheaper alternative to butter. It is just one molecule away from being a plastic. Made mostly from vegetable oils and water, it’s often given a boost in flavour and nutrients to make it more appealing. At first, margarine was actually marketed as the healthier option since it’s made with unsaturated fats instead of the saturated fats found in butter. But over the years, we’ve learned that margarine has some not-so-great health effects.
The main issue with margarine is the trans fats it can contain. These bad boys are created during a process called hydrogenation, which helps keep the margarine solid. Trans fats are notorious for messing with your cholesterol levels – they pump up your LDL (which is the bad cholesterol) and lower your HDL (which is the good cholesterol). This not-so-great combo can lead to serious heart problems, like heart attacks and strokes. Did you know that margarine is just one molecule away from being plastic?
On top of that, margarine can contain artificial ingredients and additives which aren’t exactly fantastic for your health either. Thanks to these concerns, many places have outlawed or heavily restricted trans fats. Modern margarines May have improved, with many brands cutting out trans fats altogether and using healthier oils like olive or avocado oil.
You can try a simple experiment put out three slabs of
Butter
Margarine
Plastic
Into your garden. You will soon find that creatures will start eating the butter if not then it will go moldy. The margarine and the plastic will stay intact because most creatures do not see them as food.
But, even with these changes, it’s still important to be a savvy shopper. Check those labels and opt for products that are minimally processed and free from trans fats. So, while margarine has come a long way, it’s still worth being cautious about what you’re spreading on your toast.
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