Q & A: Which is better for me, butter or margarine?

The issue of which is healthier, butter or margarine, remains a hot topic of debate. We know both saturated fat and cholesterol can be damaging to the heart. Butter has high amounts of both these compounds, and therefore raises blood cholesterol. Margarine, when it was first introduced, was extremely high in trans fats. Trans fats can be more harmful than saturated fat. However, recently, trans fat has been removed from most margarines, and most margarine products will indicate this as trans fat free on the label.

The verdict: A trans fat free margarine is most likely a healthier choice than butter.

Some products that are trans free: Benecol, Blue Bonnet Soft Spread, Brummel and Brown Spread, Canola Harvest Non-Hydrogenated, I Can't Believe it's not Butter, Promise, Smart Balance Light.