Misinformation Regarding Margarine in Bon Appetit

As many of you know, I have a really serious issue with misinformation when it comes to people’s health. It’s hard enough to keep track of the latest health news without articles that present information that is erroneous and without merit.

An article in the February issue of Bon Appetit features an article in which the author advocates the use of butter of margarine, which is ludicrous. Most health professionals as well as the American Heart Association and the Federal government’s National Cholesterol Education Program strongly encourage the use of margarine over butter.

The Bon Appetit article notes that margarine contains harmful trans fat but you won’t find any soft or liquid margarine that contain trans fat, and trans fat levels of stick margarines have been greatly reduced. Margarine manufacturers continue to be the leaders in the food industry in removing trans fats from products, and they continue to innovate the market by adding healthy, functional ingredients such as antioxidants, omega fatty acids, and fat-soluble vitamins to products.

In addition margarine, compared to butter, actually lowers the risk of heart disease. Compared to butter, the typical 60 percent oil soft margarine product contains significantly less total fat and saturated fat than butter. Additionally, this 60 percent oil soft margarine product has 20 percent fewer calories than butter and no cholesterol.

Okay, I’ve said my piece and now I’m done…for today. I hope everyone is enjoying their week and I’ll see you back here soon!

Nutrition Misinformation on Margarine

I’m posting this article from EarthTimes.org in whole for two reasons: 1.) It supports the use of margarine over butter, noting margarine is recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, American Medical Administration and the American Heart Association. 2.) It discusses misinformation on the Internet, which is a rapidly growing problem.


PRINCETON, N.J., Sept. 21 A U.S. survey showed that an overwhelming number of people are following health and nutrition advice from the Internet -- but many don't believe its accuracy.



Opinion Research Corp. polled more than 1,000 U.S. adults across the United States and found of the two-thirds of people seeking information from the Internet, 82 percent said they are specifically seeking health and nutrition advice, however, of this group 62 percent believe its accuracy.



Nonetheless, 89 percent said they follow the advice.



A statement by the American Dietetic Association said that food and nutrition misinformation can have harmful effects on the health, well being and economic status of consumers.



For example, almost all soft margarine free of trans fat, but many Web sites still advise people to choose butter, although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration supports soft margarine as the healthier option, as does the American Heart Association.



"Soft margarine is a healthier choice because of its content of good fats and because many are available in lower calorie versions," Dr. Barbara Howard of the American Heart Association's Council on Nutrition, Physical Activity and Metabolism, said in a statement.

Nutrition Misinformation on Margarine

I’m posting this article from EarthTimes.org in whole for two reasons: 1.) It supports the use of margarine over butter, noting margarine is recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, American Medical Administration and the American Heart Association. 2.) It discusses misinformation on the Internet, which is a rapidly growing problem.

PRINCETON, N.J., Sept. 21 A U.S. survey showed that an overwhelming number of people are following health and nutrition advice from the Internet -- but many don't believe its accuracy.

Opinion Research Corp. polled more than 1,000 U.S. adults across the United States and found of the two-thirds of people seeking information from the Internet, 82 percent said they are specifically seeking health and nutrition advice, however, of this group 62 percent believe its accuracy.

Nonetheless, 89 percent said they follow the advice.

A statement by the American Dietetic Association said that food and nutrition misinformation can have harmful effects on the health, well being and economic status of consumers.

For example, almost all soft margarine free of trans fat, but many Web sites still advise people to choose butter, although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration supports soft margarine as the healthier option, as does the American Heart Association.

"Soft margarine is a healthier choice because of its content of good fats and because many are available in lower calorie versions," Dr. Barbara Howard of the American Heart Association's Council on Nutrition, Physical Activity and Metabolism, said in a statement.