Americans eat foods that contain fat to satisfy their hunger and to enjoy food flavor. According to the 2000 U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans , some dietary fat is needed for good health.
Fats supply energy and essential fatty acids and promote the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
But all fats are not created equal. Experts who specialize in cardiovascular health find monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids useful in lowering blood cholesterol when used in recommended amounts as a part of an overall healthy diet Nutrition experts continue to recommend that consumers use margarine products instead of butter to improve the nutritional profile of their diets. This is essential in light of what leading health authorities recommend about reducing total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol intake. Because margarine products are very low in saturated fat and contain no dietary cholesterol, they are the tablespread of choice for a majority of Americans. Most of these products are reduced in total fat, too.