Margarine or butter?

For years, we were told that margarine was better for us because the saturated fat in butter was so bad for the heart. Then it turned out that trans fat — created when liquid vegetable oils are hardened to create margarine — is even worse for you than saturated fat!

So should you go back to butter?

No, unless it’s only an occasional pat or two. The healthiest alternative: margarine labeled zero trans fat or trans fat-free. It’s usually a little softer than the old stick margarines, but it tastes and acts just the same.