Butter: benefits and harm to the body

Butter is a food product that is produced in factories and made at home from milk. Butter is one of the most concentrated forms of liquid milk. To produce one kilogram of butter, about 20 liters of whole milk are needed.

Used for cooking 2 ways:

1. Oil production can be based on whipping cream, which have an average fat content (about 35–38%), the process itself is carried out in special oil producers.
2. The production is based on the conversion of high-fat cream (with a fat content of about 82.5–83%) into oil.

Types of butter

• Unsalted (fat - 82.5%, moisture - 16%).
• Salty (fat - 81.5%, moisture - 16%, salt - 1%).
• Vologda (fat - 82.5%, moisture - 16%).
• Amateur (fat - 78%, moisture - 20%, salt - 1%).
• With fillers (chocolate, fruit and so on).

What is the difference between margarine and butter

Butter is a wholly dairy product obtained by whipping milk. It contains 15–20% water and 80–85% fat. Today on sale you can find various types of butter: low-calorie, with salt, without salt, etc. Of course, manufacturers are very tricky, because in order to reduce production costs they add various flavors and colorings to the oil, so in some cases it is difficult to call such a product even oil. The natural product is a source of lipids, fat-soluble vitamins A and D, as well as cholesterol.

Margarine is an inexpensive alternative to butter. It consists of vegetable and animal fats, which are subjected to industrial processing - hydrogenation and transesterification. Hydrogenation makes the fat more saturated, while trans fats can form, which adversely affect the human body. Recently, many manufacturers have begun to take into account the negative impact of trans fats on human health and therefore produce non-hydrogenated margarine. Instead of hydrogenating liquid vegetable oils, a small amount of palm oil is added, which makes margarine softer and less greasy. Margarine is a source of vitamins A and E, fiber or phytosterols.

Composition and calorie content

100 g of butter contains:

• protein - 0.7 g;
• fats - 82 g;
• carbohydrates - 0.8 g.

Calorie content 745 kcal per 100 g of product. Butter consists of 1-2% of milk, 16-20% of water, 80–82% of milk fat. It also contains calcium, phosphorus, vitamins A, D and E. Lactones, diacetyl, methyl ketones, dimethyl sulfide and fatty acids are all components that add flavor to the oil.

How much butter can I eat per day

Oil is an easily digestible product and does not contain harmful chemical components (if it is of high quality).However, saturated fatty acids contained in oil, also found in fish, cheese, yoghurts, meat and sausages, can negatively affect the body. Therefore, for health, it is worth restricting yourself to a maximum of 3 teaspoons of oil per day.

What is useful butter

General benefit

1. Anticancer properties. Drinking butter can help reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer, particularly colon cancer, as it helps healthy cells develop. Also, this product affects the proper functioning of the colon and facilitates the treatment of inflammatory diseases of this organ.
2. Reduces inflammation. It is known that oil contains conjugated linoleic acids, which help reduce inflammation in the body.
3. It affects the mood. Acids, which are rich in butter, affect the function of histone deacetylase and are strong mood stabilizers. It is recommended to regularly use butter for those people who suffer from depression and mood swings.
4. Eye benefit. Butter contains beta-carotene. It is a nutrient that is necessary for healthy vision and also protects the eyes. Beta-carotene reduces the risk of angina pectoris and macular degeneration of the retina.
5. Benefits for bones. The oil contains calcium and other minerals such as copper, zinc, selenium and manganese. They are important elements in building and maintaining bone strength, as well as helping them recover. Due to insufficient intake of minerals contained in butter, premature bone aging can occur, and the risk of arthritis and osteoporosis is also increased.
6. Provides vital vitamins. The thyroid gland is the main endocrine gland, as well as an important link that affects the absorption of vitamin A. In people with thyroid diseases, as a rule, low levels of vitamin A in the body. Butter can provide the body with vitamin A, so regular consumption of this product will help alleviate thyroid problems.
7. Reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Butter in regular use in moderation is a healthy food for maintaining normal heart function. This product contains a large amount of good cholesterol. Omega-3 fatty acids in oil help reduce the risk of heart disease.
8. Source of fat-soluble vitamins. Since the body needs vitamins for proper functioning, people must consume fats in order to absorb them. Oil is not only a natural source of vitamins A, D, K and E, but also their best source. These vitamins are fat soluble, so their intake through oil is the easiest way for the body to absorb them.
9. Helps prevent tooth decay. Vitamin K2 contained in oil plays a vital role in preventing tooth decay. The human body produces vitamins K2 from K1, but in a very small amount (about 1/10 of the required norm). The best way to get vitamin K2 is to use butter.
10. Strengthens the immune system. Saturated fats have antimicrobial, antitumor and immune-strengthening properties. Lauric acid helps get rid of various viruses, bacterial and fungal infections.
11. Helps maintain gastrointestinal health. The oil contains glycosphingolipids - a type of fat that protects the body from gastrointestinal infections, which usually occur in children and the elderly. The human body also needs good cholesterol to support cells in the intestine so that the digestive system can do its job properly.

For women

Butter has properties that positively affect the female hormonal system. When producing female sex hormones, the intake of fatty acids into the body is required. In order for the female reproductive system to function normally, you need to maintain cholesterol in the body, otherwise hormonal disorders can occur.

For men

Oil also affects men's health. Drinking enough butter has a positive effect on the reproductive functionality of men and their sexual activity.

During pregnancy

Pregnant women can use butter. However, if the expectant mother has any allergy to dairy products, it is best to abandon him at the stage of pregnancy.

Benefits from using oil during pregnancy:

1. Healthy bones. The oil contains calcium, which contributes to the healthy development of the teeth, as well as the bones of the child.
2. Reduces stress. Pregnant women are not recommended to be nervous, as this affects the baby. The oil contains flavonoids and its use helps minimize stress levels.
3. Brain development. Vitamin E contained in butter helps the brain develop in a child.
4. Appearance. Pregnancy is accompanied by many hormonal and physical changes that can make a woman less attractive. The oil is enriched with antioxidants that can help in the regeneration of skin cells, making a woman younger.
5. Hormonal problems. Butter is also recommended for use during hormonal disruptions, because the substances contained in it help in the treatment of such problems (but you should consult your doctor before use).
6. Supports cholesterol. The oil contains short and medium chain fatty acids that help regulate the expectant mother's cholesterol level.

When breastfeeding

Butter is considered an important product for the normal growth, development of the child and the recovery of the woman’s body after childbirth. The use of oil should be moderate, otherwise it can lead to impaired body functions, as well as affect body weight. It is necessary to adhere to permissible dosages and rules of use. The recommended dose of butter during breastfeeding is from 10 to 30 grams per day.

Butter for children

What butter is good for children:

1. Nutrients. Oil is a source of fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K. Fats are essential for the absorption of nutrients, especially water-soluble vitamins. Without fat, the child will not be able to benefit from the food he eats.
2. The source of minerals. The oil contains vital minerals such as manganese, zinc, copper, selenium and chromium. Minerals serve as an effective antioxidant and protect the child from harmful infections. Lauric acid, present in the oil, helps the baby fight off fungal infections and candida.
3. Improves digestion. The oil contains glycosphingolipids - substances that help the children's body fight intestinal infections, thereby promoting digestion.
4. Helps in brain development. The oil contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids contribute to brain development. When a child grows up, he will need regular supplies of these fatty acids.
5. Strengthens the immune system. Oil is an excellent source of antioxidants that help withstand the attack of free radicals produced by the body during metabolism.This product also contains resveratrol, a substance that has significant disease control potential. It helps prevent tissue and DNA damage, and also slows down aging.

Is it possible to eat butter while losing weight

Contrary to popular belief that oil is a harmful product for people who are trying to lose weight, experts say that it is not. The fatty acids contained in the oil are absorbed into the liver and processed into energy. The oil also contains mineral iodine, which is very easily absorbed by the body. Everyone needs iodine for the thyroid gland to function properly, producing hormones that regulate metabolism. Since the body does not produce iodine, it must be obtained with food. The body is saturated if it contains the nutrients contained in the oil. This reduces a person’s cravings for other nutrient-free foods.

Butter in medicine

Oil has a fairly wide application in the field of medicine. It can be used to treat cough, diarrhea, and constipation.

With diabetes

There is an opinion that the use of butter in diabetes is permissible and may even be beneficial. Such statements are unfounded, since the effect of oil on the body of people with diabetes has not been fully investigated to date. Despite the fact that it does not directly affect the level of glucose in the blood, this product is not recommended for use by diabetics. One of the main reasons is the content of cholesterol in it.

Important: the glycemic index of butter is 51 units.

With pancreatitis

Saturated and trans fats, which are contained in oil and margarine, should be consumed very rarely and only in very small quantities, because the body of a person suffering from pancreatitis is not able to properly digest food, especially fatty foods. Most people with chronic pancreatitis can experience pain in the upper abdomen or in the back when drinking oil.

With gastritis

For gastritis with high acidity, it is not recommended to use butter. If the acidity is reduced, the use of oil is allowed, as this leads to its increase. The main thing is to observe moderation.

For constipation

Butter has laxative properties. Most likely, immediately after eating, a person will not feel the urge to go to the toilet, but with regular prolonged use, constipation will gradually disappear.

With gout

With gout, dairy products are allowed to be consumed, but unlike other dairy products, the amount of butter consumption must be moderate.

With colitis

With this disease, it is forbidden to eat foods that contain trans fats. Butter is on the list of these products. It is worth noting that in some cases with colitis, 40-50 grams (not more) of butter per day are allowed.

With hemorrhoids

With this disease, it is necessary to regularly use butter, as it helps to get rid of constipation and hemorrhoids. Butter can beneficially influence the body: it alleviates the symptoms of hemorrhoids, reduces inflammation and can even reduce pain during bowel movements. Ointments and oil candles are able to exert anti-inflammatory effects, relieve pain, itching of swelling of hemorrhoids and heal wounds.

With cholecystitis

Butter can be consumed with cholecystitis, as it is easily digested and absorbed. In the event that pain or bitterness in the mouth occurs during its use, it is recommended to add it little by little to different dishes as an ingredient.

Traditional medicine recipes based on butter

Since ancient times, our ancestors actively used oil in folk medicine as a nourishing as well as softening component in various ointments, serums, lotions, and other medicines. Today, traditional medicine does not lose its relevance due to its accessibility to each person and the effectiveness of the impact. Therefore, below you are offered several recipes for healthy products based on butter.

1. If you are tormented by a dry cough or a cold, then butter will help to cope with this ailment. Add about 30 grams of butter to a glass of warm milk. In addition, it is recommended to add a teaspoon of honey to the drink. Such a tool will help strengthen immunity and soften a cough.
2. Another folk remedy to increase immunity, which is especially effective in the cold season. To 50 ml of aloe juice, add 100 grams of pulp of viburnum, as well as 150 grams of honey and walnuts. The final and main component is 150 grams of oil. The resulting mixture should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed 1-2 teaspoons after each meal.
3. An effective butter-based wart remover. Add 2 teaspoons of vinegar and 100 milliliters of butter (pre-melted in a water bath or microwave) to a raw egg (along with shell). Next, you need to leave the resulting ointment in a dark, cold place for three days. So you get an excellent tool that quickly, and most importantly, effectively fights spurs and warts.

Butter in cosmetology

Butter is a product that helps to effectively combat dry skin, wrinkles, and also beneficially affects the hairline.

Skin Benefits

Butter can be used as a moisturizer for dry skin. Rubbing with oil will help reduce wrinkles, stretch marks and scars, and the product can speed their healing.

This product helps to soothe skin irritations, helps with injuries and rashes. Rubbing cold oil in the area under the eyes will help relieve eye strain and provide relaxation.

Hair Benefits

Acids contained in the oil can have a positive effect on the hair. Butter can provide silky and elastic hair. This product is also a tool that prevents brittleness, dullness, stiffness of curls. There are many recipes for home masks that are suitable for both oily and dry hair.

Harm and contraindications

Although butter is considered a very useful product, it has contraindications. It should not be used by people:

• with allergies;
• with intolerance to dairy products;
• with high cholesterol in the body;
• with diseases of the heart or blood vessels;
• obese
• with a tendency to rash.

It is worth noting that only natural butter has beneficial properties, and only if consumed in acceptable quantities. Due to the high cholesterol level, excessive consumption of oil can lead to atherosclerosis. People with heart disease and high blood pressure need to limit the use of oil or even completely abandon it.

How to choose and where to store butter

How to choose

1. On the packaging should be written "butter."
2. To the touch it should have a dense structure, while being quite plastic.
3. There should be a characteristic uniform color.
4. In the store you can check the quality of the oil by simply clicking on the pack: if it is wrinkled with a small press, it is most likely margarine or just a low-quality product.
5. You can also smell it: fragrances are not able to transmit the smell of real oil.
6. Look at the price: a quality product cannot be cheap.

How to store

1. Recommended storage temperature is from -0 to +6 degrees Celsius.
2. Butter is recommended to be stored in the refrigerator.
3. Can be kept in store packaging if it is opaque.
4. It is permissible to store the oil in an oiler or in a plastic container (opaque).
5. You can also wrap the oil in foil or parchment paper.

How to check butter for naturalness

The cost of natural butter is quite high, so unscrupulous manufacturers resort to methods that can reduce costs without worrying about the quality of the product. Here's what you need to do to check the butter for naturalness:

1. Examine the information on the packaging. Fat content should be more than 60%. If palm or peanut oils are indicated in the composition, then the naturalness of the product is in question. The longer the shelf life, the greater the likelihood that the product contains preservatives.
2. Check the stability of the form. You need to leave a small piece of butter on a saucer for 60 minutes (at room temperature). The oil softens a little, but at the same time the shape should be preserved.
3. In the pan. When it gets into a hot frying pan, high-quality oil is melted evenly, it should not contain water and foam.
4. Identify in appearance and taste. Natural oil, as a rule, is quite solid; when cut, it should not exfoliate, has a white or yellowish color, and should not smell. If ingested, the oil should melt.

Why butter crumbles when sliced

Sometimes the butter crumbles at the time of cutting. There are two reasons for this:

1. Violation of storage conditions. This can happen if the oil is frozen and thawed several times, as this leads to a violation of its structure.
2. Quality. When the ratio of moisture and fat in the oil is not observed, it can crumble.

Is it possible to fry in butter

You can fry in butter, but you should know that after melting "bad" cholesterol is formed. It can cause the appearance of cholesterol plaques, which leads to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular pathologies. Even short-term heating of the oil reduces its biological value.

How can I replace butter

If we talk about baking, then a good substitute for butter would be vegetable oil, spread, margarine, sour cream, heavy cream or yogurt. If you need an ingredient for a sandwich, then the oil can be replaced with cheese (soft), cottage cheese, yogurt or sour cream. Vegetarians tend to replace it with mashed fruit. The dish will have a slightly different taste, but still it will be tasty and will not spoil the view.

How to make butter at home

To make the butter, you need natural cow's milk (at least 6 liters).

How to cook

1. The first thing to do is get the cream from the milk. To do this, place milk (in cans) in a warm room. After 1-2 days, the milk will be divided into cream and kefir. To make butter, you only need cream.
2. Next, you need to collect the cream in a hotel jar. 1 liter of milk will give about 80-100 ml of fat cream (therefore, you need to take about 6 liters of milk). Cream needs to be cooled.For this, the jar should be placed in the refrigerator for 12-17 hours.
3. Transfer thick cream to a dry deep bowl.
4. Next, begin to whip the cream until clots appear (using a mixer with special whisks).
5. At the moment when the mass begins to whip badly, you should switch to a wooden pusher. Stir in the counterclockwise direction for about 1-3 minutes.
6. After the formation of liquid, it must be drained into another container.
7. Spread the resulting oil in a bag in a bag for freezing.
8. After the oil bag is tied, it is necessary to shape the oil. It is recommended that the shape be flattened so that it is convenient to lay the pieces on top of each other.
9. Transfer the finished oil to the refrigerator for freezing.

How to melt butter

The oil remains solid when cooled, it softens at room temperature, and melts when heated.

Melt the butter using a stove or microwave.

On the stove

• cut the butter into small pieces;
• put in a pot or in a water bath;
• need to heat on low heat;
• wait until a third of the oil has melted;
• remove from heat and stir.

In the microwave

• cut the butter into small pieces;
• cover with a paper towel a dish with butter;
• heat the oil for 10-12 seconds at low power;
• stir and check progress;
• repeat the procedure until all the oil has melted;
• at the end you need to stir it to heat the remaining pieces.

Interesting facts about butter

1. The ancient Greeks and Romans considered butter the food of the northern barbarians.
2. Some time ago, butter was considered unhealthy, mainly due to its high saturated fat content. Nevertheless, public and scientific opinion is gradually changing in favor of the use of oil.
3. In Ireland, one of the most common archaeological finds is oil barrels buried in swamps. Apparently, people did this in order to protect the oil from theft.
4. In ancient times, oil was used as fuel for lamps.

Photo of butter