With the health-conscious era we are living in, products like “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter” have been widely marketed as healthier alternatives to traditional butter. But is it really healthier?
Is “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter” Truly Healthy?
Products like “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter” are made to reduce fat content. But, did you know they are made with oils like soybean which are considered unhealthy? These oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which are inflammatory. This inflammation can worsen health conditions, weaken the immune system, and even increase susceptibility to diseases such as cancer.
Ingredients
- Purified Water
- Soybean Oil
- Palm and Palm Kernel Oil
- Salt
- Lecithin (Soy)
- Natural Flavor
- Vinegar
- Vitamin A Palmitate
- BETA Carotene (Color)
Nutrition Facts of “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter”
| Serving Size | 1 biscuit |
| Serves | 6 |
| Calories | 348 |
| Total Fat | 10.4g (13% Daily Value) |
| Saturated Fat | 1.2g |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g |
| Sugars | 11.4g |
| Protein | 7.9g (16% Daily Value) |
| Cholesterol | 31.4mg (10% Daily Value) |
What Makes “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter” Unhealthy?
For six decades, saturated fats found in meats, whole milk, and butter were demonized due to studies like the Korean Soldiers Study from the 1950s. However, newer research challenges these established beliefs. The PURE study, which followed 135,000 people from 18 countries, suggests that high fat intake reduces the risk of mortality while high carbohydrate intake increases it. These findings flip our previous understanding on its head!
| Group | Hazard Ratio for Total Mortality (Highest Quintile vs Lowest Quintile) |
| Carbohydrate | 1.28 (1.12–1.46) |
| Total fat | 0.77 (0.67–0.87) |
| Saturated fat | 0.86 (0.76–0.99) |
| Monounsaturated fat | 0.81 (0.71–0.92) |
| Polyunsaturated fat | 0.80 (0.71–0.89) |
Note: Hazard ratio (HR) here represents the mortality rate of each group compared to the control group.
Conclusion
Modern research suggests that the traditional beliefs surrounding saturated fats might not be entirely accurate. Studies now show that high fat intake might actually be associated with a reduced risk of mortality, contradicting older beliefs. Given this evolving understanding, it might be best to enjoy real butter in moderation rather than leaning on alternatives. When it comes to “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter”, it might not be as healthy as its name suggests. Always read labels and make informed choices.
FAQs:
1. What is the healthiest butter to use?
Grass-fed butter is considered healthier due to its nutritional profile. Look for “pasture” and “grass-fed” labels at the store.
2. What can I substitute for butter?
- Margarine
- Lard
- Vegetable shortening (e.g., Crisco)
- Vegan butter
- Cream Cheese
- Greek Yogurt
3. What do vegans use instead of butter?
In baking: vegan butter, applesauce, dairy-free yogurt, coconut oil, coconut butter, olive oil, nut butter, mashed banana, and mashed avocado.
In cooking: olive oil, coconut oil, vegetable stock, or avocado oil.
In addition to analyzing ‘I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter’, we also reviewed the health attributes of Zevia Soda.
