The Smack Down (on me)

One tablespoon of butter contains more than 7 grams of saturated fat[1]. The relationship between saturated fat intake and LDL cholesterol is direct and progressive, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD)[2]. I can't quite see what recommending butter has to do with discussing "vegan eating" unless it is your way of trying to kill off non-vegans as quickly as possible. In which case, well done! Next time, try pushing red meat, preferably raw.

[1] USDA Nutrient Database, SR18.
[2] 2005 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee Report

The former comment was posted in response to the following suggestion I made a few months ago to my friend Viveca:

"If you are not vegan, and I know you're not Viv, I would suggest just eating real, organic if possible, butter. Don't even think about eating margarine (full of trans-fats/hydrogenated oils). Ooo. It's a spreadable heart attack.

But for the vegans in the room, I enjoy Earth Balance because it's all veg, no trans-fats. But don't forget about things like oils (I enjoy flax oil on my toast and popcorn) and coconut butter for cooking."

Well, I don't really have a defense for recommending butter. I know the world would be a better place if people didn't eat any animal products. I know that animals who make dairy suffer just as much as animals who are slaughtered for meat. Probably more. But if someone wants to know what is actually worse for her body, hydrogenated oils or butter, the answer is hydrogenated oils. Neither are beneficial, both are bad, but one IS actually worse inside the body. Maybe I should have been more clear that both are BAD BAD BAD.

Would I eat butter before margarine? No. I've got ethical issues with it. However, I honestly believe that the body would rather deal with almost anything over man-made chemicals. And I do believe trans-fats have been shown to be worse than saturated fats for the heart .

Healthiest option: neither.

Thanks for the comment; I like your spunk.

PS- I can't believe someone I don't know (?) reads this blog.

Comments

[goat]

Hey Susan--

glad you have a forum in which to expound your wonderfully caustic observations, now that you no longer write us from China. I still think we should publish the collected susan china missives.
Anyway, I've got two questions:
What's the deal with Brummel and Brown (yogurt based, methinks) imitation butter, and how bad is that Vanilla Soy Silk Dream Stuff for you? Since I am addicted to it.
And will probably drink more no matter what you say.
Hope DC is treating you well, and that you've managed to locate one of the 18 Starbuck's coffee houses on Dupont Circle.