Indeed, rich and delicious butter can enhance the flavor of sweet and savory dishes. This unctuous dairy product has been a staple in our diets for centuries, used for cooking, baking, and spreading on our favorite foods.
However, as we become more conscious of our health, we may wonder if there is such a thing as healthy butter. In recent years, grass-fed butter (GFB) has gained popularity, and many people claim it is a healthier alternative to regular butter. So, is there any truth to this claim?
What Is Grass-fed Butter?
GFB is made from the milk of cows allowed to graze on grass and other natural foods, rather than being fed a diet of corn and soybeans. This type of butter is often labeled “grass-fed” or “pasture-raised.”
The Nutritional Benefits
A study published in the Journal of Dairy Science compared grass-fed butter and regular butter using Raman spectroscopy. The study found that GFB had more nutritional value than regular butter. This type of butter also contains a higher proportion of unsaturated fats, including omega-3s and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which are beneficial for reducing inflammation and improving heart health.
GFB also contains more vitamin K2, which is essential for bone and cardiovascular health, and beta-carotene, which has antioxidant properties. Dr. Erik’s personal favorite is Kerrygold Irish butter.
What Are the Negatives?
As with any type of butter, there are negatives to consider. Grass-fed butter contains a lot of saturated fat, which can raise cholesterol levels if consumed in excess. GFB is also higher in calories than regular butter, which can be a concern if you are trying to manage your weight.
While grass-fed butter is a healthier alternative to regular butter, it is important to consume it in moderation because of its high saturated fat content.
If you are looking to change your diet and gain some potential health benefits, replacing regular butter with GFB can be an easy and delicious way to do so!
Sources:
https://www.journalofdairyscience.org/article/S0022-0302(20)30606-8/fulltext
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/grass-fed-butter#TOC_TITLE_HDR_9