Why is olive oil better than butter?
Although butter brings a lot of flavors to French cuisine, it must be recognized: Spanish cuisine with olive oil is better for your health. This is the duel that animates the French and the Spaniards, butter against olive oil. On the one hand, France lays claim to the flavor of its butter cuisine, recognized throughout the world. But on the other hand, Spain and other Mediterranean countries defend the nutritive qualities of their olive oil. And at this point, the olive oil clearly knocks out the butter.
The first disadvantage of cow’s milk butter is what is commonly called the “bad cholesterol“, because it contains more than 70% saturated fat. Present in particular in products of animal origin, this “bad cholesterol” or “LDL” can clog the arteries when it is present in too large quantities in the body.
This is not the case with olive oil which, unlike its opponent, does not contain saturated fats but unsaturated fatty acids. They are mainly found in fruits, vegetables, nuts… And these acids help to reduce the level of “bad cholesterol” in the blood, thus limiting the risk of cardiovascular disease. This is particularly the case of extra virgin olive oil, obtained from olives in perfect condition, pressed under strict and unrefined conditions.
Olive oil, a “healthy” fat
In addition, olive oil also has antioxidant properties, which means that its consumption protects the cells from the oxidation, in particular thanks to vitamin E. Olive oil also promotes the absorption of minerals such as magnesium, zinc, phosphorus or calcium, and contributes to good blood circulation and proper functioning of the brain, limiting the appearance of degenerative diseases.
Butter, on the other hand, does not offer these protections, but provides vitamins A and D, known to be good for bones and view… vitamins that also provides olive oil. Even if obviously, it should not be abused, because although olive oil is a so-called “healthy” fat, it is still a fat. Specialists recommend its consumption in the equivalent of a maximum of 4 tablespoons a day.
In the pan, same fight, same result
Natural olive oil is healthier than raw butter, but it’s also healthier on the pan. We know the bad reputation of cooked butter, which burns and breaks down faster than oil.
In summary, olive oil is a good ally in limiting the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even promotes certain abilities such as memory, according to various studies. Not to mention that at the environmental level, butter has a larger carbon footprint than olive oil, because it comes from a farm. It needs more resources than olive cultivation. In other words, the production of butter pollutes more than that of olive oil.
Last argument against butter: olive oil is cheaper, for the same amount!
For all this, the Spaniards consume 11.7 liters/person of olive oil per year.
