If you open the refrigerator in different homes, it is very likely that among the things in common that you will find there is butter, that solid animal fat that adds a particular and very tasty flavor to many foods. The butter is obtained by beating milk until the fat separates from the whey.
Curiously, what dairy cows eat can affect the nutritional value of the milk they produce, as well as the butter that is obtained from it. Although most dairy cows eat primarily corn and grain-based feed, grass-fed cows are becoming more popular because their dairy is known to have more health benefits.
6 benefits of organic butter
1. It is more nutritious than regular butter
Butters are high in fat and calories. They are also rich in vitamin A, an important fat-soluble vitamin; however, studies show that butter that comes from grass-fed cows may be more nutritious. In particular, contains a higher proportion of healthy unsaturated fatty acids. An analysis showed that it provides, on average, 26% more omega 3 fatty acids than regular butter. These are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and are associated with many health benefits.
Another analysis determined that dairy products from grass-fed cows may contain up to 500% more conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) than normal dairy products. Studies have linked this fatty acid to many potential health benefits, including anti-cancer effects. In addition to having a healthier fat profile, butter from grass-fed cows is thought to be much higher in vitamin K2, which plays an important role in bone and heart health.
2. It is a good source of vitamin A
Vitamin A is fat soluble and is an essential vitamin that the body does not produce, so it must be included in the diet. Like regular butter, butter from free-range cows is rich in vitamin A.. Each tablespoon (14 grams) contains approximately 10% of the recommended daily intake of this vitamin, necessary for optimal vision, reproduction, and immune function. It also plays an important role in growth and development and is involved in the formation and maintenance of healthy teeth, bones, and skin.
3. It is rich in beta-carotene
Butter is high in beta-carotene, a beneficial compound that your body converts to vitamin A as needed to meet your daily needs. Beta-carotene is also a antioxidant that helps defend your cells from potential damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals.
Studies suggest that butter produced by free-range cows may be even higher in beta-carotene than regular butter. A higher intake of beta-caronet-rich foods is associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
4. Contains vitamin K2
Vitamin K is a fat soluble vitamin that exists in two main forms: Vitamin K1, known as phylloquinone and found primarily in plant foods, and K2, also known as menaquinone, found primarily in fermented foods and animal products, including butter from free-range cows.
Although vitamin K2 is less common in the diet, it is very important for overall health. Plays a key role in bone and heart health, by regulating calcium levels. Several studies have found that people who consume more vitamin K2 experience fewer bone fractures.
Vitamin K2 also helps remove excess calcium from the bloodstream, which can help prevent calcium and plaque deposits from building up in the blood vessels. In a study involving 4,807 people, high intake of vitamin K2 was associated with a 50% reduction in the risk of death from heart disease.
5. It has a high content of unsaturated fatty acids
Unsaturated fats include monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These types of fats are considered healthy since in various studies they have been related to benefits for heart health. One study showed that replacing some of the saturated fat in the diet with unsaturated fat may help reduce the risk of heart disease.
An easy way to do this is to replace regular butter with grass-fed butter, as the latter is higher in unsaturated fat, although it does contain a significant amount of saturated fat just like regular.
Some recent research suggests that saturated fat intake may not be linked to heart disease, as health experts have so far thought. However, it’s best to eat a variety of fats, not just saturated, from nutritious sources like nuts, seeds, and fatty fish like salmon.
6. Contains conjugated linoleic acid
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a type of fat found primarily in meat and dairy products derived from ruminant animals, such as cows, sheep, and goats. Of course, butter produced by free-range cows is especially high in CLA.
In one experiment, grass-fed cows produced milk that contained 500% more CLA than cows fed a corn-based diet. Studies suggest that CLA may have several potential health benefitsmainly in the prevention of certain chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and even certain types of cancer, although more studies are needed on the benefits of CLA.
Keep in mind that butter that is made from grass-fed cows it is still a concentrated source of fat and calories. Although it is relatively healthy, it is best enjoyed in moderation, as this can prevent weight gain. Also, be sure to include plenty of other healthy fats in your diet, such as nuts, seeds, and oily fish, to ensure you’re getting a wide variety of healthy fats.
With information from Healthline