Margarine-like, vegetable oil spread, 60% fat, stick/tub/bottle


 Category: Fats & Oils  Characteristics: Without Salt, With Added Vitamin D

 Nutrition Highlights 


 Serving Size

 Calories

76


 Nutrient
% Daily Value*

  Total Fat 8.4 g
11 %

     MUFA 2.7 g   High

     PUFA 3.7 g   High

     Saturated Fat 1.7 g   High
8 %

  Cholesterol 0.1 mg
0 %

  Sodium 0.3 mg
0 %

  Protein 0.02 g
0 %

  Total Carbohydrate 0.1 g
0 %

  Water 5.3 g

  Minerals --
     Calcium 2.9 mg
0 %

     Potassium 4.2 mg
0 %

     Magnesium 0.3 mg
0 %

     Phosphorus 2.2 mg
0 %

  Vitamins --
     Vitamin E 3.0 mg   High
20 %

     Niacin / B3 0.0 mg
0 %

     Vitamin B6 0.5 mg   High
31 %

     Vitamin A 115 mcg   High
13 %

     Vitamin D 1.5 mcg   High
7 %

     Vitamin C 0.01 mg
0 %

     Thiamin / B1 0.0 mg
0 %

     Riboflavin / B2 0.0 mg
0 %

     Folate / B9 0.1 mcg
0 %

     Vitamin B12 1.5 mcg   High
63 %

     Vitamin K 14 mcg   High
12 %


*Daily Values are based on the reference caloric intake of 2,000 calories for adults and children aged 4+ years. Source: Food & Drug Administration
 Calorie Sources 
  Nutrient Calories kcal (%)
 Fat 75 (99.3%)
 Carbohydrate 0.5 (0.6%)
 Protein 0.1 (0.1%)
Total 76 (100%)

 Serving: 1 tbsp [14g]


 Composition 
  Nutrient Weight g (%)
 Fat 8.4 (59.8%)
 Water 5.3 (37.6%)
 Ash 0.2 (1.6%)
 Carbohydrate 0.1 (0.9%)
 Protein 0.02 (0.2%)
Total 14 (100%)

 Serving: 1 tbsp [14g]


 Benefits 
  • It is high in unsaturated fats like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats which can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and maintain heart health when used in moderation

  • The added vitamin D helps support bone and immune health as vitamin D plays an important role in calcium absorption and regulation

  • Being fat-based, it is high in calories which makes it a good option for getting extra calories and energy into your diet

  • The lack of added salt helps control sodium intake which is important for blood pressure management

  • The soft, spreadable texture makes it easy to use in place of butter on breads, toast, bagels etc. for sandwiches and snacks

 Risks 
  • High in saturated and trans fats which can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol and risk of heart disease and stroke

  • Contains refined vegetable oils high in omega-6 fatty acids which may cause inflammation if consumed in excess relative to omega-3s

  • High in calories but low in nutrients - may contribute to weight gain if overconsumed

  • Contains few vitamins and minerals besides added vitamin D - does not contribute much to overall nutrition

  • Salt free version may encourage overconsumption since it tastes similar but contains more fat and calories than butter


 Additional Information 

Margarine-like vegetable oil spread, with 60% fat content, can be found in stick, tub, or bottle form, and is specifically without salt but enriched with vitamin D. This product offers both nutritional benefits and potential risks that should be considered when incorporating it into a balanced diet.

Starting with the nutritional benefits, the primary attribute of this spread is its vegetable oil base. Vegetable oils, such as canola, soybean, or sunflower oil, are rich in unsaturated fats, particularly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These healthy fats have been associated with numerous health benefits, including improved heart health. They can help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol levels, which may lower the risk of heart disease.

Furthermore, the added vitamin D is another advantage of this margarine-like spread. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining bone health by aiding in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. It also contributes to a healthy immune system and may have potential benefits for mental health. Many individuals have insufficient vitamin D levels, especially those living in regions with limited sunlight exposure, making this fortified spread a convenient source of the vitamin.

However, it is important to consider the potential risks associated with this product. The high fat content, at 60%, means that it should be consumed in moderation. While unsaturated fats are generally considered healthier than saturated fats, excessive intake of any type of fat can contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of obesity, as fats are energy-dense.

Additionally, although this spread is without salt, it is essential to be mindful of overall sodium intake from other sources. Excessive sodium consumption has been linked to high blood pressure and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor sodium intake from other food items to maintain a balanced diet.

Lastly, it is worth noting that some margarine-like spreads may contain trans fats, which are created during the hydrogenation process used to solidify the vegetable oils. Trans fats have been strongly associated with an increased risk of heart disease and should be avoided as much as possible. However, the provided description does not specify whether this product contains trans fats. Therefore, it is advisable to read the nutrition label or ingredient list to ensure the absence of trans fats.

In conclusion, margarine-like vegetable oil spread with 60% fat content, without salt but enriched with vitamin D, offers several nutritional benefits. Its vegetable oil base provides healthy unsaturated fats, which can promote heart health. The added vitamin D contributes to bone health and overall well-being. However, it is crucial to consume this product in moderation due to its high fat content and be mindful of sodium intake from other sources. Additionally, checking the ingredient list for trans fats is recommended to avoid potential risks associated with their consumption. As with any food product, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized advice on incorporating this spread into a balanced diet.