We all have myths about what’s good for us to eat and what’s bad. See if you have this myth: Margarine is better for you than real butter.
What’s the truth? Is margarine or butter healthier for you? Both substances contain the same amount of fat. The only real difference is the kind of fat they contain. One contains synthetic fat, fat that very closely resembles plastic. The other contains natural fat that human digestive systems have had thousands of years to learn how to digest. Can you guess which is which?
Right! Margarine contains plasticky fat. Vegetable oil is placed under high pressure, then hydrogen bubbles are forced into it causing the molecular structure of the natural oil to turn into a synthetic, pseudo-plastic substance. In fact, margarine doesn’t break down. You can leave margarine out on the counter for weeks and it won’t degrade. So if bacteria can’t break it down, do you really think your body can?
Well, it can’t. This ‘plastic’ fat can be found in any product containing hydrogenated oils. Your body cannot tolerate one single gram of these oils. And mass consumption of these hydrogenated oils has been linked to heart disease, cancer, and obesity. The primary foods that contain hydrogenated oils are fried foods–that means your French fries, chicken fingers, and deep fat fried Twinkies that you buy at the fair. Other culprits are chips, cookies, candy bars, crackers, cakes, and Cool Whip. Apparently, most things that start with C.
The amount of Trans Fats from partially hydrogenated oil must now be listed on all foods. Unfortunately, when the FDA made this law, fully hydrogenated oils weren’t popular. Thus, many of your junk foods may list zero grams of trans fat, but in their ingredient list you will see fully hydrogenated oil. If partially is bad for you, how can fully be any better?
We’ve always known this, but sometimes it’s good to be reminded. Your health really is your choice. Reading the labels of what you are eating is one of those choices. Anything that is natural is far more beneficial to your body than any artificial, modified, plasticized substance. Be smart, be conscious. And call the office with any questions.
