Originally Posted by postit:
“It's generally understood that processed food is the unhealthy option to food which is natural.
"Margarine is manufactured, not "prepared." It begins with a chemical extraction process that squeezes the fat out of certain vegetables, and is then refined. The refining is done at temperatures which alter the structure of the oil, which loses its vitamin E. Hydrogen is added to make it a solid substance, which creates the trans fats. Frequently, artificial coloring and flavoring is added to make the product more appealing. In contrast, butter is simply churned cream -- perhaps with some salt added -- and gets its color from leftover milk solids, its flavor from the milk fat and its consistency from the churning process"”
I did some research on it when I found that the statin I was prescribed was causing terrible side effects. It is indeed true that many doctors consider butter to be healthier than the alternatives due to the trans-fats from the hydrogenated vegetable oils.
Worse still, the 'cholesterol-lowering' spreads are also disapproved of by some vascular specialists due to their use of plant sterols, although I do sometimes wonder how many doctors on the internet have been nobbled by drug companies (although also possibly by margarine manufacturers).
The other point to be considered is that cholesterol is not something to be eliminated altogether, as it is essential to several vital bodily functions.
Also consider that plain buttered toast has got to be healthier than cheese on toast that is first lightly spread with margarine.