If you have stopped eating white butter, you may want to rethink

Not all cholesterol is bad. If nutrition experts are to go by, one should not stop having white butter. In fact, nutritionist Dr Shilpa Arora said that she eats white butter daily. “Have you stopped eating white butter fearing weight gain? Think again! White butter contains iodine, crucial for balancing thyroid hormones and boosting metabolism,” she said.

Packed with vitamins A, D, E, K, and other fat-soluble nutrients, white butter aids in mineral absorption, shared Arora. “With more calcium than milk, white butter improves good cholesterol (HDL) and strengthens the heart. I eat it daily, and you should too! Let’s embrace the health benefits of white butter,” said Arora.

Taking a cue, let’s understand why you should have white butter.

Shruti K Bhardwaj, chief dietician at Zydus Hospital, Ahmedabad said that white butter, also known as homemade or unsalted butter, is sometimes considered a healthier alternative to commercially processed butter. But it also contains saturated fats, which can influence cholesterol levels. “Understanding the impact of white butter on ‘good’ HDL cholesterol is complex. While some studies suggest that saturated fats in butter can raise HDL (good) cholesterol, others emphasise moderation due to its potential for raising total cholesterol,” said Bhardwaj.

Dr Pawan Rawal, head unit, gastroenterology, Artemis Hospitals shared other benefits:

– Higher smoke point: White butter has a higher smoke point in comparison to regular butter, making it ideal for high-heat cooking without oxidising or burning, which can lead to harmful compounds.

– Lower lactose and casein: White butter contains minimal lactose and casein, making it a suitable option for those with dairy sensitivities or intolerances.

– Rich in fat-soluble vitamins: White butter is a rich source of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are essential for immune function, bone health, and eye health, said Dr Rawal.

Let’s understand about cholesterol levels (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

For those seeking to improve their cholesterol profile, focus on a balanced diet, physical activity and healthy fats from sources like nuts, seeds, etc. “According to American Heart Association, our saturated fat intake should be less than six per cent of total calories. So, use homemade white butter but mind your portion size,” said Bhardwaj.

Additionally, make sure that you always choose high-quality, grass-fed, or cultured white butter to reap the benefits, added Dr Rawal.

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