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Many margarine labeled as “heart-healthy” can be misleading. For years margarine was touted as the healthy alternative to butter. Even now, there’s lots of back and forth discussion on the different types of buttery spreads. However, if you are using “healthy” sticks of margarine, it may be the cause of your weight gain.
Margarine was developed as a low-cost substitute for butter. Initially, margarine was made from animal fats. Nowadays, it’s mostly made from vegetable oils. Not all margarine are created the same. Depending on the brand, the fat content and nutritional info will vary.
Vegetable oils are better than the saturated fats found in butter, right? Not necessarily. It all depends on the ratio of polyunsaturated fats and trans fats found in the product. The higher the trans fats, the worse the margarine will be for your metabolism. Trans fats lead to insulin resistance which results in a slower metabolism and weight gain.
In general, margarine that contains partially hydrogenated vegetable oil (usually soybean) are the ones you need to steer clear from. Partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, as known as trans fats, are used to harden the margarine and keep it in a stick form. Margarine sold in stick form is the worst culprit. Margarine in tubs is a better option because they are less likely to contain trans fats.
When you at the label on a tub of margarine, look for one with a liquid oil as the first ingredient on the food label. Good oils that are high in polyunsaturated fat are safflower, sunflower, soybean, corn, and cottonseed. Polyunsaturated fats are good fats that help lower blood cholesterol levels. If there’s any mention of trans fat, put it back on the shelf. For the best option, go for light tub margarine without trans fat as a healthy alternative.
