Colleen Pacem Colleen Pacem

Is Butter Bad, or Is It Back? The Truth About Fats and Your Heart

Wondering if butter is safe? Learn how much is too much, which fats to avoid, and why plant oils are your best bet for heart health.

You deserve clarity about what’s on your plate. The truth about butter and fats is more nuanced than you’ve been told.

What We’ve Learned

  • Old advice: avoid all saturated fat (like butter and eggs)

  • Reality: removing fat led to more carbs in our diets, increasing obesity, diabetes, and heart risk

The Real Risk Factors

  • Only trans fats (mainly in processed foods) are clearly linked to heart disease

  • Large amounts of butter (over 1 tablespoon/day) increase risk for heart disease, cancer, and all-cause mortality

What’s Safe?

  • Little to moderate butter (less than 1 tablespoon/day): no increased risk

  • Replacing butter with olive oil or plant-based oils lowers risk by 17%

Practical Tips

  • Limit processed and commercially prepared foods

  • Cook more at home with plant oils

You don’t have to fear food. Small swaps can make a big difference for your heart.

Curious about joining Serene Primary Care? Schedule a free call to learn how membership works and whether it’s the right fit for you.

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