Butter is gaining popularity again, and among its supporters are often well-known personalities, including bloggers and politicians, who criticize vegetable oils. For example, Dr. Paul Saladino calls them the "main dietary villain," while U.S. Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. shares similar concerns. However, many nutrition experts disagree with such claims.
Professor Thomas Sanders from King's College London emphasizes that randomized clinical trials regularly show that vegetable oils are healthier than butter. His colleague, Sarah Berry, explains this by the difference in fat composition.
Butter and other animal fats contain a high amount of saturated fats, which can lead to increased levels of "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases. This is supported by numerous studies.
At the same time, scientists note that not all saturated fats have the same effect. For instance, the fats found in dairy products like yogurt and cheese have a less aggressive impact on cholesterol. It is possible that additional substances in these products partially neutralize their negative effects.
In contrast, vegetable oils are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, dietitians continue to consider them a more preferable option.
Some critics of vegetable oils claim that they can cause inflammation in the body; however, scientists do not find convincing evidence for this. Omega-6 fatty acids may participate in inflammatory processes but also possess anti-inflammatory properties. Overall, research findings do not support theories about the harm of vegetable oils.
There are other myths as well, such as that vegetable oils are "artificial" and useless products. In reality, historical data indicate that various types of vegetable oils have been used for thousands of years, from safflower oil in the Middle East to soybean and peanut oils in China.
According to researchers, modern oil processing methods do not make them harmful to health, and most accusations against vegetable oils lack scientific justification.
