Grass-Fed Butter or Coconut Oil – Which one is healthier?
I don’t know about your upbringing but growing up, butter was always a staple food in my family’s way of eating. From breakfast fried eggs in butter to afternoon snacks of butter and jam toast to dinner steamed rice and anything in between such as baking, frying or marinading. I, as a child, liked all the meals prepared with butter but to be honest with you I didn’t like the taste of it on its own on toast.
With the evolution of the food industry, of course plant and seed oils made their way into our pantries and they got so much power and momentum (from manufacturers and media) that they became the hero of our kitchens and butter was sidelined. Abit more than that, butter was demonized as the reason behind chronic vascular diseases, heart conditions and high blood cholesterol. Only to learn a few decades later, through recent and advanced scientific research, that it is not the case. Welcome back butter! But are all butters made up of the same nutrients? Keep reading.
The new kid on the block
Scientific findings after a while had other news for us – Butter was not the only saturated fat that is good for humans. Virgin coconut oil is a magnificent source of antioxidants which can fight chronic diseases. It’s rich in a type of fat called MCT with which doctors have had success preventing and slowing down Alzheimer’s disease.
Another amazing finding is that MCT’s in coconut oil can be used as a rapid source of energy by your liver which always chooses carbohydrates as the fast fuel. That means consumption of coconut oil can keep the body energised in the absence of carbs.
What is Grass-Fed butter and why is it better for you
Cows should naturally eat grass, however it is more cost-effective for farmers to feed their cattle grain or corn. Grain-fed cattle farming is common in mass production which many of us won’t approve and hopefully will stay away from.There is no question that a cow’s diet affects the nutritional contents of their milk.
Grass-fed butter is made from the milk of cows that are allowed to graze instead of being fed high-grain diets. Numerous studies revealed, grass-fed butter contains more antioxidants, omega-3s and other beneficial fatty acids, trace minerals, and vitamins. Omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants are exactly what we want in our diet in order to ward off inflammation and keep our cells young and healthy.
The fact is: they both possess various health benefits
Grass-Fed butter
. Rich in Omega 3 Fatty acids that have an important part in the health of heart, brain, eye, and lung. In fact studies indicate that it has around 400 fatty acids which are essential, among other things, for the function of our nervous system.
. A good source of fat soluble vitamins specifically vitamin A and vitamin K2. Vit A has long been used in skin products and eye health supplements for its properties. Vit K2 from the K family has the ability of preventing calcium from depositing in joints. A key role when it comes to Osteoarthritis management.
. Grass-fed butter is also a source of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a natural fatty acid. In fact it contains 5 times more CLA than Grain-fed butter. This is a compound that has positive effects on cardiovascular disease and chronic inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory strength.
. Butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid, is one of the fatty acids present in Grass-Fed butter which has been subject of multiple research for its potential impact on digestive system function. It can help fuel the good bacteria that live in your intestines. It may reduce symptoms like bloating, stomach pain, or irregular bowel movements.
Virgin Coconut Oil
. Great source of MCTs, medium-chain triglycerides, a component that may help boost levels of good cholesterol. MCTs provide a rapid energy source that your body can absorb and use faster than other types of saturated fat. This is great news for sports nutrition and neurology followers. In fact, MCTs have been long used in nutritional products for athletes who need a source of energy their body can absorb and use fast.
. Ketones are molecules that are used by your brain for an optimum function, as an ideal substitute for glucose. Researchers believe that MCTs in coconut oil can encourage the body in making ketones. This can diminish early signs of Alzheimer’s disease by providing an alternative source of energy for brain cells.
. Lauric acid in coconut oil may have antimicrobial properties against a variety of harmful microorganisms. Its antibacterial and antifungal abilities are the reason it’s been used in natural oral and skin hygiene products.
. Good for hair and skin – Virgin coconut oil may enhance skin protective barrier functions and have an anti-inflammatory effect. And you can use it as a hair treatment to restore vitality and shine because it’s believed that it can penetrate the scalp better than mineral oils.
. Findings on MCTs support in producing ketones, has inspired other studies on how this can help control the blood sugar, insulin sensitivity and benefit diabetes. If it can provide fuel for our brain it can fuel other cells too for a healthy metabolism and assist in curbing hunger.
How I use them in my cooking
As a Pilates professional and a healthy lifestyle advocate, I constantly update my knowledge on food while staying intuitive with my body’s feelings. One principle I have and follow is that you’d be a ton better off if you cook your own food because you are mindful of what goes in it. So in my kitchen when I prepare food for my family these happen regularly:
Grass-Fed butter – frying, basting(meat & veg), cooking rice, spreading (for toast or sandwich), coffee
Virgin coconut oil – frying, baking, marinating veggie, cooking rice, smoothies, coffee
Last word
Power your brain, support your hormones, and enhance mitochondrial function by adding good fat to your food today. Fat provides stable energy for hours and actually encourages your body to burn fat for fuel. Make your choice between Grass-Fed butter or Virgin coconut oil. They are both phenomenal.
Love & Health
Sources : Dr Eric Berg, BulletProof, Intuitive fasting
