Butter has once again become the center of attention. As well-known bloggers and politicians begin to label vegetable oils as harmful, opinions such as that of Dr. Paul Saladino, who considers them the "main dietary villain," and U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who criticizes their impact on health, spark controversy. However, nutrition experts contradict these conclusions.
Professor Thomas Sanders from King's College London asserts that the results of randomized clinical trials clearly show the greater benefits of vegetable oils compared to butter. His colleague, Sarah Berry, explains this by the difference in fat composition.
Butter and other animal fats, such as lard, contain significant amounts of saturated fats, which can raise levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases — a fact supported by numerous studies.
Nevertheless, specialists also note that not all saturated fats affect health equally. For example, the fats found in dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese may have a less negative impact on cholesterol levels, possibly due to other components in these products.
In contrast, vegetable oils are rich in mono- and polyunsaturated fats, which can lower cholesterol levels and reduce the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, dietitians continue to recommend them as a healthier choice.
Some opponents of vegetable oils argue that they contribute to inflammatory processes in the body; however, scientific data does not support this view. Omega-6 fatty acids do participate in inflammatory reactions but also possess anti-inflammatory properties. Overall, research does not confirm the dangers of vegetable oils.
The notion that vegetable oils are "artificial" and useless products is also debunked. Historical data indicates that they have been used for thousands of years, from safflower oil in the Middle East to soybean and peanut oils in China.
Researchers add that modern methods of oil processing do not make them harmful to health. Most critical remarks regarding vegetable oils lack scientific validation.
