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    The debate of whether butter or margarine is better for our health has been going on for many years. It is difficult to actually determine if one is healthier than the other, but the determing factors are cholesterol, saturated fat and trans fat.

    Butter contains higher amounts of cholesterol than margarine because it is made from animal fat. Margarine is made from vegetable oils and therefore does not contain cholesterol. Too much cholesterol in the diet can raise bad cholesterol, also known as LDL. High levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to the hardening of arterial walls and increase a person's risk for heart disease and even stroke. So when it comes to cholesterol content, margarine takes the lead.

    Much like cholesterol, large quantities of saturated fat can lead to higher levels of LDL cholesterol and heart disease. Butter contains a significant amount of this unhealthy fat. Margarine tends to contain a smaller amount of saturated fat; however, it typically contains a larger amount of trans fat, depending on the form it comes in.

    Trans fats are considered one of the unhealthiest fats for us. Not only can trans fat raise LDL cholesterol, but it can lower HDL cholesterol, which is known as the good cholesterol. It is recommended that trans fats be eliminated from the diet. The more solid the margarine is, the higher amount of trans fat it contains. Stick margarine usually contains more trans fat than tub margarine. In cases where trans fat is present, butter might earn a point for being slightly healthier than margarine.


    Don't be fooled by the food label, though. When the label says 0 grams trans fat, there's still a chance that is some present. If a product contains less than .5 grams of trans fat, the manufacturer is allowed to claim it as trans-fat-free. Check the ingredient list to be sure. If the product lists "hydrogenated" or "partially hydrogenated" oil, that means it contains trans fats.

    Butter and margarine both have unhealthy components, which is why there is much debate over them. Since butter is made from animal fat, the saturated fat and cholesterol contents are higher than its competitor.

    Margarine is made from vegetable oil and typically contains a larger amount of healthy unsaturated fats than butter, but might a higher amount of trans.

    Now that you have the facts on both, you will be able to make the best decision for your health. Keep in mind that both butter and margarine should be used sparingly due to the high caloric content. They are each unhealthy in their own way, but like many foods, it comes down to consuming them in moderation.

    Kelly Marsteller is a clinical outpatient dietitian at Memorial Hospital. Healthy Helpings is a column written by nutritionists in York and Adams counties.