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VEGAN FEAST SUBSCRIBERS' COOKING AND RECIPE FORUM>
Bryanna, margarine question...
Linda
344 posts
Mar 31, 2005
1:54 PM
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someone asked me if THIS MARGARINE which contains palm oil is "healthy." I think I've read palm oil isn't good for us, is that right? I can't remember! Or is that another form of palm oil? This brand says it's non-hydrogenated; but I'm still wondering if that means it's okay.
You may have to click on one; Click the blue tub! Then "Ingredients" on the upper right.
Thanks
Last Edited Linda on 31-Mar-2005 1:57 PM
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kourtney
41 posts
Apr 01, 2005
7:48 AM
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Non-hydrogenated margarine needs something to make it spreadable, usually coconut or palm oil. Palm oil is high in saturated fat, but in my opinion it's okay as part of a balanced diet because, unlike trans fats, we're not supposed to aim for no saturated fats. We're supposed to aim for no more than 1/3 of our fat calories from saturated fats.
The margarine I buy is mostly canola oil, but has some palm oil for spreadability, so it's similar.
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Bryanna
Owner/Moderator
900 posts
Apr 01, 2005
10:50 AM
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This seems to be a UK spread, so I guess we won't get it here anyway. But Kourtenay is right. In order for an oil spread to be semi-hard, they have to use either hydrogenated fats or a fat like palm oil, which, though saturated, does not contain trans fats like the hydrogenated oils.
Here is something from the Earth Balance site at http://www.earthbalance.net/:
"From Brandeis University Research:
Balance your Fats for Better Health*
What does that mean?
There is great power for good (and not so good) in ordinary fats and oils. The scientists call them fatty acids. There are three main types of fatty acids: polyunsaturated, monounsaturated and saturated. While it is a complex subject, we believe that the right balance of the these fatty acids can be important to health -- along with sensible lifestyle choices.
Lets start with POLYs (polyunsaturates).
This class of fats include soy, corn, safflower, sunflower and other oils that are largely composed of a multiple carbon atom structure . POLYs in the diet can lower cholesterol in the blood. That is good but they also lower HDL “good” as well as the LDL “bad” type of cholesterol and that may be not so good. That’s why a proper balance of fats are so important.
How about SATs? (Saturated fats).
These fats and oils come from nature and are composed of a structure that contain hydrogen atoms that saturate the structure of this fatty acid. Saturated fats have been found to raise blood cholesterol. However, they raise the HDL “good” (protective) cholesterol as well as the LDL “bad” cholesterol (which can clog arteries). Thus, they can be very good as well as well as bad. There are saturated fats from animals (such as butter) that contain dietary cholesterol and myristic acid that can, by itself, raise cholesterol in the blood. Saturated fats from plants such as coconut oil and palm kernel oil contain no dietary cholesterol but are high in myristic and lauric acids that raise cholesterol. We prefer the oil from the fruit of the palm tree, which is lower in total saturates and contain much smaller amounts of myristic and lauric acids. However, any saturated fat needs to be balanced with polyunsaturates. By using an ideal saturated fatty acid with the right amount of POLYs, offsets the problem of using SATs in the first place. Thus, SATs can be useful when properly balanced.
What do MONO’s do? (Monounsaturates).
This class of fatty acid is prevalent in canola, and olive oils. MONO’s are largely neutral in their effect on blood cholesterol. So one may wonder why do they have such a good reputation for healthy eating. The fact is, MONO’s in olive and canola are considered healthy when they replace saturated fats in the diet. However, we believe that MONO’s should be part of a balanced fat blend for an ideal fatty acid combination. No one fatty acid should be used in place of the other principal fatty acids.
The fatty acid blend in Earth Balance was patented by the US patent office to improve the good to bad cholesterol ratio naturally, through dietary means without the need for medication for normal, healthy adults. And its ideal for children as well. Use Earth Balance Buttery Spreads as a ready-made fat source for table and food preparation needs.
While the monounsaturates from canola and olive oil predominate in this blend, the key is Earth Balance’s right proportion (balance) of polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acids."
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"To look like a goddess, eat like a peasant." Karen Andres
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Linda
345 posts
Apr 01, 2005
12:59 PM
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Thank you both!
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