[Article updated on 19/09/2023]
A dairy product made from cow’s milk, butter is one of the most complex fats. It contains up to 400 different fatty acids, many of which are beneficial to our body. It is rich in several vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, B12 and K2. Butter is 80% fat, which makes it a very high-calorie food. The WHO also recommends its consumption in small quantities for those who do not suffer from high cholesterol levels. However, one question comes to mind: does butter make you gain weight?
Before reading on
I’m not an expert in this field, but I am passionate about nutrition and health.
The articles you’ll find on my site are the result of in-depth research that I’d like to share with you. However, I would like to stress that I am not a health professional and that my advice should in no way replace that of a qualified physician. I’m here to guide you, but it’s important that you consult a professional for specific questions or medical concerns. Your well-being is important. So be sure to consult the appropriate experts and take the best possible care of yourself.
What is butter?
Butter is a dairy product made by churning milk. Essentially, this process separates solid fats from milk by vigorously shaking the milk. Although butter can also be made from the milk of other mammals such as sheep, goats and buffalo, the majority of butter we consume is made from cow’s milk.
Many different types of butter exist, including salted butter, unsalted butter, butter produced from milk from grass-fed cows, and clarified butter. Due to its high fat concentration, butter has a rich flavor and creamy texture.
It is particularly suitable for foods cooked at high temperatures such as stir-frying. It can help prevent food from sticking to the pan, while adding flavor. Butter is also widely used in baking to add texture and volume to pastries and desserts. Additionally, it can be spread on bread, roasted vegetables, pasta dishes and many more.
What is the nutritional value of milk?
Vitamins
This food is rich in vitamins. Butter contains all the fat-soluble vitamins, namely vitamins A, D, E and K. Vitamin A is involved in growth and improves hydration of the skin, mucous membranes, hair, nails, teeth and bones . This vitamin also improves vision and is a natural antioxidant.
Vitamin D regulates calcium and phosphorus metabolism. Vitamin E is a natural antioxidant. It improves the immune system and has anti-inflammatory properties. Vitamin K2 prevents tooth decay and strengthens bones.
Minerals
This food is also very rich in minerals. Butter contains mainly selenium and iodine, but also manganese, chromium, zinc and copper, among others. Selenium protects against heart disease and cancer. Iodine is necessary for the proper functioning of the thyroid.
Fatty acids
Butter contains a large number of fatty acids. These fatty acids, including omega 3 and 6, as well as arachidonic acid, are essential for our body. Their functions include strengthening the immune system, stimulating metabolism, improving brain function and nourishing the skin.
There are correlations between increased arachidonic acid intake and insulin sensitivity. This fatty acid is also linked to good kidney, liver and immunity health. Arachidonic acid is an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid. It is one of the good fats that we need for the essential functioning of our body
Cholesterol
Butter is high in cholesterol and has been shown to not be as bad for your health as people think. Diseases linked to high cholesterol are caused by excessive consumption of simple carbohydrates. In small amounts, dietary cholesterol is not dangerous and instead contributes to the brain development of children.
Calories
100 grams of butter contains:
- 717 calories;
- 16% water;
- 0.9 g of protein;
- 0.1 g of carbohydrates;
- 81.1 g of lipids (saturated: 51.37 g, monounsaturated: 21.02 g, polyunsaturated: 3.04 g, omega 3: 0.32 g, omega 6: 2.17 g, trans fat: 3.28 g).
Butter provides a lot of calories in a very small amount, making it ideal for children, athletes and people with little appetite. It is the ideal food for cold weather. In addition, it is very tasty.
The health benefits of butter
Although the consumption of butter can be linked to gaining weight, it is a food that has many benefits for the body. The first is that it is rich in monounsaturated fats, something fundamental for the body since they are the ones that we must ingest.
On the other hand, butter is also a food rich in vitamins and nutrients which, ingested in small quantities, can help balance the body. If it is abused, like any other food, this will be the time when the body will notice the negative changes.
Contrary to what many people think, butter is not fattier than oil. Oil and butter have a caloric intake that is not too different. Consumed in not too high quantities, they do not make you gain weight. Butter is good if consumed with knowledge and without excess.
Does butter make you gain weight?
The question “does butter make you fat?” » has been pending for decades. Contradictory studies are multiplying and it is rather difficult to draw a conclusion. While fats like butter have been demonized since the 80s, diets such as the paleo diet now recommend including them in quantity in our daily diet. .
It is undeniable that butter contains large amounts of material and is rich in fat, but does butter make you fat? Weight gain is subject to many factors that don’t just involve the amount of calories we ingest. Being constantly stressed can make you gain weight. The same is true of an unbalanced diet.
When its consumption is combined with a moderate, healthy and balanced diet as well as a consistent physical exercise program, butter is an excellent ally. Not only will it not make you gain weight, but it will help you feel better about yourself!