The popularity of butter is growing, and some well-known figures, including bloggers and politicians, are starting to label vegetable oils as harmful. For example, doctor Paul Saladino calls them the "main dietary villain," while U.S. Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. actively criticizes their impact on health. However, many nutrition experts disagree with such claims.
Professor Thomas Sanders from King's College London emphasizes that randomized clinical trials consistently show that vegetable oils are more beneficial compared to butter. His colleague Sarah Berry adds that this is related to the differences in fat composition.
Butter and other animal fats contain a high level of saturated fats, which can raise levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol in the blood and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, as confirmed by numerous studies.
Nevertheless, scientists note that not all saturated fats have the same effect. Fats found in dairy products, such as yogurt and cheese, may have a less negative impact on cholesterol levels, likely due to other substances in these products that partially neutralize their harm.
In contrast, vegetable oils are characterized by high levels of mono- and polyunsaturated fats, which, according to research, lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. This is why dietitians continue to recommend them as a healthier option.
There is also a belief that vegetable oils can cause inflammatory processes in the body. However, scientific studies do not support this hypothesis. Although omega-6 fatty acids are involved in inflammatory reactions, they also possess anti-inflammatory properties. Overall, research data do not support the claim that vegetable oils are harmful.
The idea that vegetable oils are "artificial" and useless also lacks evidence. Historical documents indicate that they have been used for thousands of years, from safflower oil in the Middle East to soybean and peanut oils in China.
According to researchers, modern methods of oil processing do not make them dangerous to health. Most accusations against vegetable oils do not withstand scientific scrutiny.
