This research team decided to dig deep on the butter versus oil debateheres what they found.
Seed oils have beenat the center of controversyfor some time now.
Previous studies have suggestedthose seed oil fears are way overblown.
Photo:Getty Images. EatingWell design.
They published their findings today inJAMA Internal Medicine.Heres what they found.
How Was This Study Conducted?
All of the participants were free of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and neurodegenerative disease at baseline.
Researchers calculated average intakes of butter and plant-based oil based on the dietary assessments that participants filled out.
Then the team sorted participants into four groups according to their intake of butter and plant-based oils.
Butter intake included butter used in baking and frying, as well as butter added to food or bread.
All but olive oil are considered seed oils.
What Did This Study Find?
Researchers ran several statistical analyses, including adjusting for potential confounders.
They also adjusted for white bread and glycemic load, since these could impact the results.
How Does This Apply to Real Life?
Interestingly, butter was related to a higher risk of dying from cancer but not from CVD.
But this isnt an all-or-nothing thing.
Its important to remember that nutrition isnt all about nutrients.
Youre supposed to enjoy what youre eating, too.
After all, theres room in a healthy eating pattern for anything in moderation, and that includes butter.
It all works together to reduce your overall disease risk and help you live a high-quality life.
Zhang Y, Chadaideh K, Li Y, et al.Butter and plant-based oils intake and mortality.JAMA Internal Medicine.
