Is it wise to employ oil and butter for weight loss? This rather contentious topic has already been featured in many online articles and the main issue involves whether these substances are healthy or if they should be avoided altogether. For example, it is already known that some types of butter and oil contain healthy dietary fat (such as omega-3 fatty acids and “good” cholesterol). There are nonetheless other schools of thought which claim that butter and oil alternatives are more prudent to consider.
For the sake of this article, we will instead be focusing on the relationship between these substances and losing weight in a healthy manner. What professional advice is available? Might different types of oil and butter be able to offer more quantifiable results? Whether you are hoping to reach a target bodyweight or you wish to make the most out of your new Spatz3 adjustable gastric balloon, it is important to take a closer look.
The importance of healthy dietary fat
Is there such a thing as healthy dietary fat? There are different schools of thought on this issue. But first an introduction to a few terms:
- Saturated fats, like butter and shortening, are solid at room temperature.
- Polyunsaturated fats are always liquid. They include oils like canola and walnut oil.
- Monounsaturated fats, including olive oil, are liquid at room temperature and become solid or cloudy when cold.
From a calorie perspective, all fats and oils have the same profile – 9 calories per gram.
Conventional nutritional wisdom says that saturated fats are related to heart disease and high cholesterol and should be avoided and replaced with olive oil or even canola oil. Others argue the exact opposite – that butter, especially grass-fed butter, is actually heart-healthy and more nutrient dense and therefore preferred over oils.
The body needs a certain amount of fat for proper brain functioning. Dietary fats are also crucial for women in their childbearing years.
Is butter healthier than oil?
So, is any oil or saturated fat truly healthy? All oils like canola, safflower, sunflower oil and corn oil are highly refined and processed. Even butter is processed, in the sense that it doesn’t appear in nature. Additionally, some nutrition experts say that it’s a mistake to extract the oil from an otherwise healthy whole food (such as olive oil from olives).
While most types of butter and oil contain the same amount of calories per gram, the amount of saturated fats are much higher in butter. These also happen to be the types of fats that may pose a danger to the heart. And can contribute to weight gain over time.
Another interesting point is that the melting point of butter is extremely low. It is therefore suitable for nothing more than pan frying under normal conditions. Oils (such as olive oil) are much more diverse in regards to how they can be used when cooking a meal. However, note that some individuals choose to mix butter and oil together in order to achieve a certain flavor.
To see the role of oil and butter for weight loss let us now see what happens with oil.
What is the Best Cooking Oil for Weight Loss?
Cooking with oil is an excellent way to lose weight. However, this all depends upon the type of oil selected. Many individuals believe that virgin olive oil is the most suitable choice. However, this is not necessarily true. One of the keys to losing weight involves limiting your intake of saturated fat. This is why canola oil is actually the most appropriate option.
Furthermore, it is best to avoid any type of processed oil. The issue with this type of oil is that other components such as artificial flavorings, colourings and preservatives are often present. These can increase the number of calories consumed per serving and once again, contribute to weight gain.
Is it Possible to Use Butter for Weight Loss Purposes?
It might come as a surprise that butter could also be used to shed a few extra kilos. We need to remember that butter is rich in nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D. Both of these are essential when creating a balanced diet.
Butter also contains a substance known as butyrate. Butyrate helps to lower insulin resistance within the bloodstream; one of the most common reasons why it can be difficult to lose weight. High levels of insulin resistance can also increase the chances of developing type 2 diabetes.
So, is butter healthier than oil in terms of its ingredients? When consumed in moderation and derived from natural sources, it may be a worthwhile product to consider.
What Healthy Oil and Butter Substitutes Exist?
Perhaps you are wary about using oil and butter for weight loss due to the associated saturated fats. In this case, there are alternatives to keep in mind. If you do your homework (and there is a LOT of conflicting information out there!) and decide to minimize or eliminate your use of oils altogether, you’ll need to adjust the way you cook. Here are easy tips for cooking without oil.
- Unsweetened Greek yogurt
- Applesauce (to achieve a cake-like consistency when cooking specific foods)
- Avocado puree
- Coconut oil
- Vegetables can be sautéed in water or vegetable broth. Alternately, steaming vegetables will cook them without oil while helping to preserve their nutrients.
- Applesauce or bananas can be used to replace the oil in many baked goods.
- Use silicone mats or parchment paper for roasting vegetables and avoid the need to grease the pan.
Oil and butter have represented important components of human diets for millennia. Much like the majority of foods, they offer benefits as well as potential risks. This is why appreciating how they impact the body as well as understanding the possible alternatives is always a wise strategy.
Include butter and oil alternatives in your diet with Spatz3
When a healthy diet is combined with the efficacy of the Spatz3 adjustable gastric balloon, impressive results can be achieved within a relatively short period of time. It is nonetheless a good idea to experiment with different recipes so that you can make the most out of any meal. You can try alternatives to oil and butter to help you with weight loss although, depending on the type of oil or butter you choose, it may not be a bad option either.
Whole foods are healthy exactly because they work as a complete nutritional unit. An alternative school of thought says that the only healthy fats are those that are not processed at all, but rather naturally appear in plant-based foods. These healthy fats come from leafy greens, soy products, seeds, nuts, avocados, olives and coconuts. These are foods that can help you avoid consuming so much oil and butter for weight loss. Follow these tips and achieve healthy eating habits!
