Key points from article :
A long-term study published in JAMA Internal Medicine suggests that replacing butter with plant-based oils like corn, olive, or rapeseed could significantly lower the risk of early death. Researchers from Harvard Medical School analysed dietary data from over 221,000 adults followed for 30 to 50 years, revealing that higher butter intake was linked to a 15% increased risk of death from any cause. In contrast, those who consumed the most plant-based oils had a 16% lower risk of mortality.
The findings indicate that for every 10g per day increase in plant-based oil consumption, the risk of cancer death decreased by 11%, while heart disease mortality dropped by 6%. Replacing 10g of butter daily with plant oils was associated with a 17% reduction in overall mortality and cancer-related deaths. The researchers suggest that these benefits stem from the higher levels of unsaturated fats found in vegetable oils, which contrast with butter’s high saturated fat and trans fat content.
Commenting on the study, Professor Tom Sanders of King’s College London emphasized its importance, particularly given recent misinformation about vegetable oils on social media. He highlighted that unsaturated oils provide clear health benefits over butter, reinforcing dietary recommendations to prioritize plant-based fats for longevity and disease prevention.
