BUTTER

Butter is a saturated fat. For decades, we have been advised to reduce saturated fat in our diets, because it increases bad cholesterol in the blood, which can clog arteries, causing heart attacks or strokes. Public Health England advises people to cut down on saturated fat.

On the other hand, researchers at the University of Cambridge presented a study in 2014, published in Annals Of Internal Medicine, which stated there was no significant evidence regarding a correlation between saturated fats and a higher risk for heart disease. Hence the “butter is back” headlines. But those behind the study warned against oversimplification. They had found that there are different types of saturated fats – some good, some bad. The team agreed with butter being linked to bad cholesterol.

This is backed up by a recent study by researchers from Harvard, who found that a 5% higher intake of saturated fats, like butter, was associated with a 25% increased risk of heart disease. VERDICT:

Not all saturated fat is created equal, but more research is needed. Stick to olive and sunflower oil for cooking, and use butter sparingly.