Substituting Butter with Plant-Based Oils Linked to Lower Risk of Premature Death, Study Finds

A recent study conducted by Mass General Brigham, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and the Broad Institute has found that substituting butter with plant-based oils in daily diet may lower the risk of premature death by up to 17 percent. The researchers analyzed data from 200,000 participants over a period of 30 years and discovered a significant association between higher consumption of plant-based oils, such as soybean, canola, and olive oil, and lower mortality rates from total, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.

Lead author of the study, Yu Zhang, stated, “What’s surprising is the magnitude of the association that we found — we saw a 17 percent lower risk of death when we modeled swapping butter with plant-based oils in daily diet. That is a pretty huge effect on health.”

The study highlighted the fact that butter, which is rich in saturated fatty acids, was linked to an increased risk of total and cancer mortality, while plant-based oils, with more unsaturated fatty acids, showed protective effects against mortality.

“Even cutting back butter a little and incorporating more plant-based oils into your daily diet can have meaningful long-term health benefits.”

Daniel Wang, Brigham and Women’s

FAQ

What are some examples of plant-based oils to substitute for butter?

Some examples of plant-based oils that can be used as substitutes for butter include soybean oil, canola oil, and olive oil.

How can substituting butter with plant-based oils benefit your health?

Replacing butter with plant-based oils can lower the risk of premature death, particularly from total, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. It can also have long-term health benefits by reducing overall mortality rates.

Conclusion

The findings of this study suggest that making a simple dietary swap of butter for plant-based oils can have significant positive impacts on long-term health. By incorporating more plant-based oils into your daily diet, you may lower your risk of premature death and improve your overall well-being. Further research is needed to understand the biological mechanisms behind these effects, but in the meantime, consider making the switch to plant-based oils for a healthier lifestyle.

Remember, even small changes in your diet, such as cutting back on butter and using more plant-based oils, can lead to meaningful improvements in your health and well-being.