Who doesn't love the taste of melted butter on a freshly baked muffin? Although that creamy taste is unforgettable, we all know that butter isn't exactly healthy for us because it contains artery-clogging saturated fat and cholesterol.
Margarine is in no way a better option because most of them are made with hydrogenated oils that are high in trans fat. Why are trans fats so bad? They actually raise the bad cholesterol in our bodies and lower the good cholesterol.
I've got a better choice. Have you ever tried Earth Balance? It comes in a tub like other butter alternatives, but it contains no trans-fat whatsoever. It's not made with hydrogenated oils, but rather is a blend of natural vegetable oils including canola and olive.
Ok, so it's healthier for you, but does it taste good? Yes!! It really does. It has a light buttery flavor, that melts just like butter on warm bread. Plus Earth Balance is dairy-free, so it's a great alternative if you are lactose intolerant. You can use it in place of butter when spreading, cooking, or even baking.
Fit's Tips: Look for it in the dairy section next to the butter and margarine. Most health food stores carry it, and I've also been happy to see it on the shelves of mainstream grocery stores.
Only
Korres
Antik Batik
This stuff is yummy! I buy it all the time. They sell it at Trader Joe's.
1has anyone tried baking with it? How does it fare?
2I've tried this brand and it's tasty, but I will stick to butter, thank you.
I look at it like this: Butter is made from whole milk/heavy cream and salt. That's it. I've made it with my 3rd graders for science. 2 ingredients. No more, no less (check your label is you don't believe me).
Margarines such as these contain processed oils, chemically extrapolated from natural things like canola nuts, veggies, olives and the like.
Personally, I prefer real butter in moderation on my toast, over some grilled veggies, or with whole wheat pancakes. I use butter to bake as well. I reserve olive oils for cooking, sautee-ing and what have you.
I don't think that just because margarine is low in cholesterol and saturated fats that it is necessarily good for you. The process is too technology-oriented for my taste. It's like Velveeta vs. real cheese. One is called 'cheese food' or 'cheese product' and the other is called 'cheese'. One has less fat and melts better, the other is full of fat but it's REAL CHEESE.
-the ceeg
3I like Earth balance not only because it taste good, but also because one of the speeds they make comes without canola oil. Canola oil is made from the Rape seed plant. This plant is high in uric aced which is the main cause of Gout - a painful swelling of the toe joints. Unfortunately they seen to have stopped making this spreed. It looks like I with have to find another make. Any ideas?
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