I Can't Believe It's Not Butter

By Laura Prevost

No, really, don't mess with my butter - I don't want any of that fake stuff - I want my BUTTER!

Today, dear readers, we talk about butter. I LOVE butter. Butter is deee-licious! I see some of you are shaking your heads, others of you are wondering what's so great about butter, others of you are jumping up and down with joy and still others of you already have your long list of reasons why butter is BAD for you.

Let's back up for a minute. Why butter? Because I was chatting with some family members and I remembered that both my mom and my boyfriend have made comments along the lines of, "When you're around we need to make sure that the freezer is stocked with butter." This is very, um, TRUE! Although my butter intake may be a bit excessive (did I mention that I LOVE butter?) there are many reasons to keep butter in your diet in reasonable amounts

. Saturated fats are GOOD for you. Stop shaking your finger at me - it's true. Way back when a researcher by the name of Ancel Keys decided that heart disease came from saturated fats and cholesterol. Even though numerous (LOTS) of tests have been done since then, not one has proven that theory correct. But, the fear still persists and saturated fats and cholesterol have all but been elminated from many individual diets.

So today you get to read about the benefits of butter. Doesn't that have a catchy ring to it? Benefits of Butter. Love. Benefits of Butter (couldn't resist saying it one more time...:o): -Rich in selenium (a powerful antioxidant) and other trace minerals -Source of quick energy (not stored in our bodies as adipose tissue) -Great source of vitamin A -Contains iodine (which the body loves to have) -Contains fat soluble vitamins (D, E & K2)

-Provides a balance of Omega-6 & Omega-3 fatty acids -Provides a variety of healthy fats Now, I don't know about you but I haven't as of yet seen anything disturbingly BAD listed under the benefits of butter (and, of course, I haven't listed every single benefit of butter). But, like anything else, always question everything and everyone (even me).

Cholesterol is definitely affected by butter as well but contrary to popular belief you do need a certain amount of cholesterol in your body to help maintain intestinal health AND it's important for aiding in the development of the brain and nervous system in the young.

If you would like more information in regards to why butter IS good for you - I'd recommend checking out my sources, especially the one by Dr. Mercola. Also, it's important that you keep in mind, there are some butters being sold that have many 'extra' ingredients. Try to stay as whole, rich & natural as possible when purchasing your yummy butter.

Sources: http://bodyecology.com/articles/benefits_of_real_butter.php http://www.eastwesthealing.com/nutrition/the-benefits-of-butter.aspx http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/12/07/why-is-butter-better.aspx

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Meet Laura Prevost - Certified Holistic Health Coach from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and a Certified Life Coach from the Life Purpose Institute. A member of the American Association of Drugless Practitioners, she received her BA in Human Behavior through Skidmore College - University Without Walls.

Laura understands the importance of baby steps and motivation when making lifestyle changes. She works with crazy busy womenpreneurs as well as anyone else she feels she can guide to a happier, healthier life. Laura believes each individual deserves the BEST that life has to offer and she LOVES guiding clients through the steps of change using support, compassion and a kick in the bum when needed. Laura is the owner of Head Over Heels In Health & GreenGrrlz.com in Flagstaff AZ where her zest for life bubbles over into her joy of the outdoors, family, friends & play.