Can white butter help with weight loss

Homemade white butter is a traditional food enjoyed by many people especially with roti at breakfast.

Some believe that eating it on an empty stomach can provide energy keep you full for longer and even help with weight loss. But experts say its effect depends on how much you eat and how it fits into your overall diet.

Does white butter really help with weight loss?

White butter should not be considered a weight-loss food. It contains a high amount of fat and calories so eating too much can actually lead to weight gain.

The fat in butter may help you feel full for longer which could reduce the urge to eat frequently.  However this does not mean butter itself burns fat or causes weight loss.

For healthy weight loss maintaining a balance between the calories you eat and the calories you use is much more important.

What about cholesterol?

White butter contains saturated fat. Eating too much saturated fat may raise LDL, often called “bad” cholesterol in some people.

People who already have high LDL cholesterol or are at risk of heart disease should be careful about how much butter they eat.

Although butter may also contain some fat that supports HDL, or “good” cholesterol this does not mean that eating large amounts is healthy.

Possible benefits of white butter

When eaten in small amounts, white butter can be part of a balanced diet. It provides fat and energy and contains some fat soluble vitamins.

However its benefits can vary from person to person depending on their overall diet weight activity level and health.

Who should be careful?

Some people may need to limit white butter especially those who:

•Have high LDL cholesterol

•Are trying to lose excess weight

•Have a higher risk of heart disease

•Have been advised to reduce saturated fat

If a doctor or dietitian has asked you to limit saturated fat it is better to ask them before adding butter regularly to your diet.

What is the best way to eat it?

If you enjoy white butter moderation is key. A small amount can be eaten with whole wheat roti as part of a balanced breakfast. You can also pair it with protein rich foods such as eggs yogurt or lentils. Whole grains such as millet can also be a good option.

Try not to combine large amounts of butter with other high fat or highly processed foods as this can quickly increase your total calorie intake.

The bottom line

White butter is not a magic weight loss food.  Eating a small amount may help some people feel full but eating too much can add extra calories and saturated fat to the diet.