New research from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health has found that swapping butter for plant-based oils, such as canola and soybean, could reduce the risk of death by 16 percent. High butter consumption, on the other hand, was linked with a 15 percent higher risk of mortality. Although butter does contain some nutrients, it is high in saturated fat, which can increase levels of LDL cholesterol in the body, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

The study suggests that just a small reduction in butter in favor of plant-based oils in daily diet could lead to substantial long-term health benefits. Plant-based oils like olive, canola, and soybean are higher in unsaturated fats like omega 3 and omega 6, which are associated with heart health. Other studies have also linked olive oil consumption to a reduced risk of dementia, stroke, heart disease, and improved digestive health, emphasizing the health benefits of plant-based oils in daily diet.