fit tips
Consuming anything in extreme amounts will have negative effects on the functionality of the body , regardless of what it is .
For sweets UNSALTED / SWEET BUTTER
The lack of salt makes this butter ideal for baking or cooking . Many dishes require adding salt for taste , so using unsalted butter allows us to control how much salt is seasoning the dish .
For savory SALTED BUTTER
This butter is commonly used for its savory taste . Adding salted butter to breads and vegetables can take your feast to a whole new level ! Because of the sodium , salted butter lasts longer than unsalted butter .
For easy spreading WHIPPED BUTTER
This airy , light version of butter is super spreadable , even when chilled ! Whipped butter should not be used when cooking , as it melts quickly and can change the final product . Even so , nothing beats some whipped butter on a bagel .
For the conscientious LIGHT BUTTER
Light butter has 50 % of the fat removed , which makes it a great option for those watching their fat intake or cholesterol levels .
For cooking at high temps GHEE
Ghee is a clarified butter , which has the milk solids removed . Ghee can stay in room temperature for long periods of time before going bad . It is best used when cooking at high temperatures .
BUTTER SUBSTITUTES
For sautéing COCONUT OIL
There has been a recent increase of coconut oil being used as a butter substitute . This vegetarian option of butter is a great substitute to use when cooking sautéed dishes and stir-fries . Coconut oil is linked with lessening the risk of heart disease , high blood pressure , kidney infection , and cancer . It helps with skin health , gum disease , bone health , diabetes , memory function , immune health , inflammation , and so much more . Substituting coconut oil for regular butter is a much better option .
For limited use MARGARINE
Margarine is a popular butter alternative . This alternative is made from vegetable oils . Some prefer margarine to butter because of it ’ s unsaturated “ good ” fats . Although this may seem like a good substitute , margarine contains trans fats as well , which are linked to high cholesterol and heart disease . Because of the process to make margarine , it is considered a chemically extracted product .
What ’ s the takeaway ? Butter is not as harmful as once thought – with moderation . By moderating how much we eat , we can do a better job of making sure that our consumption is helping our health , not hurting it . When possible , we should use healthier options like coconut oil , but for the most part , we are safe to keep calm and spread on !
enhance magazine | MARCH 2017 41