
Fats and oils: What’s the real story?
ZOE Science & Nutrition
Is There a Difference Between Butter and Cheese?
The types of fatty acids in butter, palm oil, and animal fats can impact cholesterol levels. It's important to note that cholesterol consists of both good and bad types. Saturated fatty acids can increase bad cholesterol but may also increase good cholesterol depending on the type. Carbohydrates, especially refined ones like bread, pasta, rice, and processed foods, can also affect cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Consuming a diet high in refined carbohydrates promotes lipid production in the liver, leading to increased cholesterol levels and circulating triglycerides. However, unlike butter, cheese, and other fermented dairy products, have a similar fatty acid composition but do not have the same negative health effects due to the unique structure within these products. This illustrates the need to move beyond simplistic thinking about fats and consider the overall composition and structure of foods in assessing their health impacts.