Swapping butter for plant oils may cut risk of early death

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In a recent study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine researchers found that swapping butter for certain plant-based oils may significantly reduce the risk of premature death. The study found that replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats from sources like olive, canola, or soybean oil was linked to better heart health and lower overall mortality. The researchers aren't suggesting people cut out butter completely, but note that even small shifts toward plant-based oils in daily eating habits could offer potential long-term health benefits.

Source

Zhang Y, Chadaideh KS, Li Y, et al. Butter and Plant-Based Oils Intake and Mortality. JAMA Intern Med. Published online March 06, 2025. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2025.0205

Additional Reading

https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/06/health/butter-seed-oils-reduced-death-wellness/index.html

https://newsroom.heart.org/news/replacing-butter-with-plant-based-oils-may-reduce-the-risk-of-premature-death

https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/press-releases/dietary-habits-study-suggests-more-plant-oils-less-butter-lead-to-better-health