Spreads

Margarine and reduced-fat spreads are made up of oils that have been hardened but are still spreadable. They’re made with vegetable oils such as sunflower, canola and olive oils, so they’re much higher in beneficial mono-and polyunsaturated fats than butter. These healthier fats lift good HDL cholesterol and are cardio-protective. Plus, they’re much lower in saturated fat than butter.

The confusion surrounding margarine has come about due to the trans-fats that were once generated by margarine’s original hardening process. Trans fats are a double-whammy: they raise bad LDL cholesterol and lower good HDL cholesterol.

Manufacturers changed production methods many years ago, so these dangerous fats are now virtually non-existent.

However, an olive-oil spread with 16-18 per cent olive oil is just not as health-giving as good-quality extra virgin olive oil itself, and margarine enriched with omega-3 does not confer the same benefits as a diet high in fish and seafood.

There are also a range of dairy blends, known as ‘spreadable butter’. Most spreadables are made from butter blended with vegetable oils. They often look and taste like butter, with less saturated fat. And they’re easier to spread straight from the fridge.