This has been evident since the 1960s when the first vegetable oil spreads were offered as an alternative to butter and traditional margarines. Eleven research studies published over the past three years, involving over 70,000 individuals, that compare use of margarine versus butter, have shown that margarine is clearly the heart-healthy choice. ACNielsen data show that consumer preference has moved to lower fat sticks and softer tubs. There are stick and tub margarine products on the market that contain no trans fat at all. Squeeze and spray margarines, due to their liquid nature, have always been free of trans fat.
Margarine products contain no cholesterol.
Organizations such as the government s National Cholesterol Education and the American Heart Association continue to recommend margarine products instead of butter for a heart-healthy diet. According to USDA, margarines are a leading dietary source of dietary vitamin E, another vital heart-healthy nutrient.