The most heart-healthy options are neither butter nor margarine, but olive oil, avocado oil, and other vegetable-based spreads. 7 In baked goods, consider substituting applesauce, nut butters, or squash purees for butter. Dip your crusty piece of bread into some olive oil.
A few small swaps can make a big difference to your cholesterol level. Many people say they don't notice the difference. Try: swapping butter to vegetable oil spreads like sunflower, olive or rapeseed oil spreads.
That's Benecol®. Our buttery spreads - and now our mouth-watering Soft Chews - contain a plant-based ingredient that actually lowers cholesterol. Adding plant stanols each day with Benecol® Products is a healthy way to reduce your cholesterol - even if you're already taking prescription drugs like statins.
Flora ProActiv spreads and drinks contain plant sterols which are natural substances that have powerful cholesterol reducing properties. Consuming 1.5g to 2.4g of plant sterols per day can lower cholesterol by 7-10% in 2-3 weeks*.
Which spread is better for my heart — butter or margarine? Answer From Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D. Margarine often tops butter when it comes to heart health. Margarine is a blend of oils that are mostly unsaturated fat.
Nuttelex is virtually free from trans fats at 0.4% or lower. Nuttelex also contains 65% or less saturated fat than butter. In addition, Nuttelex is made with vegetable oils. Vegetable oils contain higher content of the good fats (monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat) and are lower in saturated fat.
Flora has less saturated fat than butter. All around the world, health experts recommend that you should reduce your intake of saturated fats and eat more 'good fats' that is, Omega 3 and 6, which help to maintain normal cholesterol levels. Flora is made with nutritious seed oils that are packed with Omega 3 and 6.
Flora Pro-Activ is for you if you want a spread to reduce cholesterol! It contains added plant sterols that help lower high cholesterol levels for improved heart health.
Light margarine contains less saturated and trans fat than regular margarine. A spread with heart-healthy plant sterols or stanols; 2 grams per day can help lower LDL cholesterol if your diet is low in saturated fat and cholesterol. This light margarine has fewer calories and fat than regular margarine.
Margarine (such as Flora) contains no bad fats, is cholesterol free and has a lower saturated fat content. Margarines are also sometimes fortified with other vitamins.
Avocados. Avocados are a potent source of nutrients as well as monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). Research suggests that adding an avocado a day to a heart-healthy diet can help improve LDL cholesterol levels in people who are overweight or obese.
Olive oil is packed full of beneficial antioxidants that can lower your "bad" (LDL) cholesterol while leaving your "good" (HDL) cholesterol untouched.
Our own trial also showed that Weet-Bix™ Cholesterol Lowering effectively lowered LDL cholesterol by up to 9% within 4 weeks. Overall, the study supported Weet-Bix™ Cholesterol Lowering as being an effective, easy and nutritious food for people who need to manage their cholesterol.
Add sprouts or spinach instead of lettuce. Rather than your traditional tomato, add sliced cucumber, shredded carrots, black olives, a slice of avocado or onion to your next sandwich fare.
Flora ProActiv foods contain plant sterols which are clinically proven by over 50 studies to lower cholesterol. A daily consumption of 1.5 - 3g plant sterols can lower cholesterol by 7-10% in 2-3 weeks as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle with sufficient fruit and vegetables.
Flora Lighter naturally contains Omega 3, which contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels. A daily intake of 2g alpha-linolenic acid and 10g linoleic acid is needed. 2 x 10g servings of Flora a day contribute a significant amount to this. Enjoy as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Despite this, the AHA still recommend that people with high cholesterol monitor their consumption of butter. They suggest replacing it with healthy fat alternatives such as avocados and olive oil.
Becel® also contains zero trans-fat or cholesterol.
Tub and liquid margarine
Pros: Soft tub and liquid margarines contain less trans fat than harder stick margarines. They also are lower in saturated fat and calories than stick margarine or butter. And like other margarines, they are cholesterol free.
A: Olive oil, a monounsaturated fat, is a good choice when looking for a healthful alternative to butter and margarine. It is full of antioxidants and can reduce cholesterol and inflammation, as well as improve blood sugar control.
Flora regular margarine is ideal for those who want to make a significant difference to their high cholesterol levels. Flora Regular is a 50% fat spread.
If you've ever wondered, “Can you use Flora for baking?” the good news is: yes, you can! You will be pleased to know that you do not need to give up your favourite home-baked goodies just because you have made the switch from butter to a butter substitute.