Curious about newer margerines vs. old margerines

[witchygrrl]

Obviously if I hang out in this forum, I am convinced about the health benefits of butter. Actually this was prompted by a FB comment by my cousin saying butter is unhealthy. I haven't rebutted yet because I wanted to get all my ducks in a row.

Anyway, my question is about products like non-soy Earth Balance, which does have canola, but it's expeller-pressed, and it contains palm oil, which is a good thing around here. It seems like the arguments about margarine that Sally Fallon and Nina Planck make seem based on the older ones that I would never have touched even in my pre-TF days.

So your thoughts?

[Sayward]

New margarine may not be a health food, but there is a WORLD of difference between Earth Balance and the old stuff. And, I think it's intellectually dishonest to lump them all together. Soy-free EB is essentially just an oil blend (expeller-pressed canola, palm, safflower, olive). It is mostly organic and entirely non-gmo.

[Magelet]

isn't it still hydrogenated? or having some other chemical process to turn it solid-ish? olive, canola, and safflower are liquid at room temp.

and even expeller pressed, I wouldn't come near canola oil, except maybe in the incredibly rare indulgence in restaurant fried food (happens very rarely), which I realize is more likey corn or soy (ewww). but as a day to day food, no way.

[Sayward]

Originally Posted by Magelet

isn't it still hydrogenated? or having some other chemical process to turn it solid-ish? olive, canola, and safflower are liquid at room temp.

and even expeller pressed, I wouldn't come near canola oil, except maybe in the incredibly rare indulgence in restaurant fried food (happens very rarely), which I realize is more likey corn or soy (ewww). but as a day to day food, no way.

Nope, it is not hydrogenated at all! And no other weird 'chemical processes'. As you know palm fruit oil is quite solid and that is the first oil listed, making it the highest proportion.

It's rally very tame. Not an every day indulgence, but certainly not the demon it's made out to be. =)

[Magelet]

hmmm so then maybe it's not as terrible for you. That said, I still wouldn't eat it regularly (or really at all), given that good butter is a superfood, and much tastier, since I don't eat 3 of the four oils regularly, nor do I consider them healthy, though they in this combo perhaps are not horrible for you, they are neither really nutritious. Basically, it's an ok food, but I could eat a superfood and enjoy it better. (I presume it's palm oil and not red palm oil right? red palm oil wouldn't taste good)

[blueridgewoman]

Honestly, I just don't really see the point. Butter is fantastic for you.

[witchygrrl]

Right, but we can't trot out the old arguments because they're not as true anymore.

[Sayward]

Originally Posted by blueridgewoman

Honestly, I just don't really see the point. Butter is fantastic for you.

But there are people who can't/don't eat dairy. For them, it's nice to know there's a sub out there for special occasions that tastes and acts just like butter, and isn't laden with nasty nasties.

[witchygrrl]

I was thinking that, too, Sayward. Though I have seen people on here recommending coconut oil being used like butter. but there's a HUGE taste difference, so it is nice to have an alternative. I get some if I know my vegan friends are coming over

[Sayward]

Originally Posted by witchygrrl

I was thinking that, too, Sayward. Though I have seen people on here recommending coconut oil being used like butter. but there's a HUGE taste difference, so it is nice to have an alternative. I get some if I know my vegan friends are coming over

Coconut oil is awesome . . . if you like coconuts. Which I do! I use it in almost everything now, but I don't mind a coconuty brownie or coconuty mashed yams. Some people might. And for some things you just need that butter feel/flavor. Earthbalance is great for that. I'm sure your vegan friends appreciate it! =)

[boater]

I can't remember the details and I returned the book to the library... but in "Real Food" doesn't Nina Plank say something about a new high tech way margerine is processed that doesn't involve hydrogenation but is transformative to the oils in a not so healthy way? Not sure if earth balance is produced that way though.

[lastrid]

Lard is the best substitute for butter, IMO.