Smart Balance

[chillin408]

I bought this buttery spread a couple days ago and it tastes spectacular. It contains NO trans-fat. However, due to its great taste, I'm having a tough time believing that there are no downfalls to consuming in ample quantities. Is it just as healthy as eating canola, soy, and the other natural oils in it in isolation?

How do they keep it solid? Is it the palm oil? 33% of the fat is supposed to be unnatural. What is this fat and is it unhealthy?

 

[anthrax]

there are no trans-fat but what about saturated fats ?

hydrogenation makes oil solid at room temperature

I would take your buttery spread with moderation (if not avoid it)

 

[chillin408]

I think it contains approx. 2.5 grams of sat. fat per 10 grams of fat, which is not bad at all. I think the label states something to the effect of no hydrogenation, but it may have just been a play with words.

 

[MuscleDm]

It may be kept solid with mono- or di- glycerides. They are emulsifiers used to bind the the fat together. Smart balance is a great product, good alternative to regular butter or margarine. Try I can't believe its not butter spray. That stuff is outstanding and practically calorie free.

Ryan

 

[chillin408]

If I remember correctly, the label does indeed indicate that the product contains monoglycerides. Are these considers to be oils? If so, then this would probably be the 33% unnatural oils, right? Also, are they neutral as far as health goes?