Whether you see a video of any chef preparing dal makhani or pav bhaji, butter is a common ingredient apart from spices. No matter what the cuisine is, butter offers a greasy texture and base to start the cooking process. But apart from its texture, the ingredient also has many benefits for your health.
HerZindagi spoke to Pooja Kedia, executive nutritionist, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Whitefield, Bengaluru, to understand why it is a good idea to add butter to our diet. She said, “Regarding food and nutrition, butter has a bad reputation due to the belief that it is high in fat and raises your body’s cholesterol level, leading to weight gain. However, there is another side to the ingredient.”
Nutritional Value Of Butter
Butter does not contain carbohydrates but comes loaded with fatty acids that are not at all associated with an increment in fat in the body. Rich in iodine, this ingredient can be good for thyroid patients and improve the metabolism of the person.
The ingredient is also loaded with vitamins A, E, K, and D, which are essential for the development of bones, healthy growth of the foetus in the womb of an expecting woman, and boosting immunity. Since it has anti-inflammatory properties, butter can help pregnant women reduce the risks of eclampsia or preeclampsia.
Why Is Butter Good For Your Health?
Apart from its nutritional value, butter has many other benefits that make it a necessary ingredient you must add to your diet.
Butter Is A Natural Laxative
Since the ingredient contains lipids, also called glycosphingolipids, it acts as a natural laxative, making it easy for you to pass stool. It also protects the body from gastrointestinal tract infection.
The butyric acid present in the butter promotes good health of your guts. It is known to improve digestion.
Butter Is Loaded With Antioxidants
Antioxidants in butter not only give your immunity a boost, but the unsaturated fats in it remove toxic substances from your body. It has antimicrobial and antifungal properties too. Vitamin A in the ingredient promotes the production of white blood cells and protects mucous membranes from the attack of germs, bacteria, and viruses.
Butter Prevents Tooth Decay
Since butter contains vitamin K, it prevents tooth decay, and vitamin D in it is essential for your bones. Conjugated linoleic acid can help to prevent the growth of cancer tumours and chlorine boosts blood circulation. It also reduces the risks of fatty liver disease.
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Butter Can Help To Control Cholesterol
The expert said that butter can increase the amount of good (HDL) cholesterol in the body. This can significantly reduce the chances of stroke and heart attack. It also reduces the risks of CVD (cardiovascular disease) by promoting a healthy heart rate, reducing oxidative stress, and balancing the pH of blood cells.
Another reason to include butter in your diet is it contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that are required for the proper functioning of the brain. The ingredient also promotes blood circulation to the scalp and reduces hair loss. It is known to boost the growth of nails. It synthesises the sex and stress hormones to promote mental well-being.
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If you think that the greasy texture of the butter is bad for your health, you must think twice. Derived from milk, butter is a nutrient-dense dairy product. You can use milk from cows, goats, buffaloes, sheep, and other animals. If you consume the ingredient in moderation, it can be highly beneficial for you.