Margarine-like, vegetable oil spread, 60% fat, stick
Category: Fats & Oils Characteristics: With Salt
Nutrition Highlights
Serving Size
Calories
77
Nutrient
% Daily Value*
*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 | 78 (100%) |
| Carbohydrate | 0.4 (0.5%) |
| Protein | 0.07 (0.1%) |
| Total | 77 (100%) |
Serving: 1 tbsp [14g]
Composition
| Nutrient | Weight g (%) |
|---|---|
| Fat | 8.6 (60.4%) |
| Water | 5.3 (37.0%) |
| Ash | 0.3 (1.8%) |
| Carbohydrate | 0.1 (0.7%) |
| Protein | 0.02 (0.1%) |
| Total | 14 (100%) |
Serving: 1 tbsp [14g]
Benefits
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It is high in calories which can help meet daily calorie needs for energy
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The vegetable oil provides unsaturated fats that can help lower LDL cholesterol levels when replaced trans and saturated fats
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The salt adds sodium which is important for regulating blood pressure and fluid balance for most healthy adults and children
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As a spread it can be used in place of butter on breads and baked goods as an alternative
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The stick form makes it easy to measure and use as needed in cooking or baking recipes
Risks
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High in saturated and trans fats which can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol and risk of heart disease and stroke
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High in salt which can raise blood pressure and risk of heart disease and stroke
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Contains partially hydrogenated oils which are the main dietary source of artificial trans fats linked to heart disease
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Provides many calories but few nutrients
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May replace healthier unsaturated fats and oils in the diet
Additional Information
Margarine-like, vegetable oil spread, 60% fat, stick, with salt is a popular alternative to butter that offers both nutritional benefits and risks. Let's delve into the primary attribute and secondary attributes to understand its overall impact on health.
The primary attribute of this margarine-like spread is that it is made from vegetable oils. Vegetable oils are a source of unsaturated fats, which are considered healthier than saturated fats found in butter. Unsaturated fats, particularly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, have been associated with various health benefits. They can help reduce LDL cholesterol levels, commonly known as "bad" cholesterol, and lower the risk of heart disease when consumed in moderation. Additionally, vegetable oils are a source of essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, which play crucial roles in brain function and overall health.
However, it is important to consider the secondary attributes of this specific margarine-like spread. Firstly, it contains 60% fat, which means it is still a high-fat product. While unsaturated fats are beneficial, excessive consumption of any type of fat can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of certain health conditions, including obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and some types of cancer. Therefore, portion control is essential when incorporating this spread into a balanced diet.
Another secondary attribute is the addition of salt. While salt is necessary for proper bodily functions, excessive sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends limiting daily sodium intake to 2,300 milligrams or less, and ideally, aiming for 1,500 milligrams for individuals with high blood pressure or at risk of developing it. Therefore, individuals should be mindful of their overall sodium consumption, considering the salt content in this margarine-like spread and other sources in their diet.
To make an informed decision about incorporating this margarine-like spread into a healthy eating pattern, it is crucial to consider the overall dietary context. If an individual's diet is already high in saturated fats from other sources, such as red meat or full-fat dairy products, replacing these with a vegetable oil spread can be a positive step towards a heart-healthy diet. However, if an individual's diet is already rich in unsaturated fats from other sources like avocados, nuts, or olive oil, the additional fat content from this spread may not be necessary or beneficial.
In conclusion, the margarine-like, vegetable oil spread, 60% fat, stick, with salt offers some nutritional benefits due to its primary attribute of being made from vegetable oils. It provides unsaturated fats and essential fatty acids that can contribute to heart health when consumed in moderation. However, the secondary attributes of high fat content and added salt should be taken into consideration to avoid excessive calorie intake and sodium consumption. As with any food product, balance and moderation are key to incorporating this spread into a healthy and varied diet.