I am new to heart disease could anyone tell me if there is a healthy alternative to butter.Than you.
Butter: I am new to heart disease could... - British Heart Fou...
Butter
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Tigerbermuda1972
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There is a very good alternative but not want to advertise. It helps lower cholesterol. PA butter flavor
You might be interested to know that coconut oil is actually higher in saturated fats than butter!!
My husband likes Bertolli but I hate it. It’s water based so if you put it on crackers they become soggy. If you have toast leave off the spread and just have sugar free jam or marmalade. I prefer butter so try to limit the amount I have.
I use Bertolli except I refuse to eat toast without butter - so there's a small stash of butter in the fridge for when it's time for some toast 🧈🍞
I use bertolli now & then or a small bit of butter as an occasional special treat. I rarely have any type of spread on toast, I usually just have beans, spaghetti, scrambled egg, tomatoes etc. Though not all at the same time! 😂
in reply to SpiritoftheFloyd
What sort of bread are you using?
Maisie2014 in reply to
I bake my own. Sourdough starter, flour, water and yeast. I use white, wholemeal and Rye flours
in reply to Maisie2014
We buy all ours from a local sourdough bakery, it's simply delicious. I don't think people realise what rubbish is in mass produced bread.
Sunnie2day in reply to
I have serious bakery envy going on about your local. I asked at mine and all I got was a blank look and the question 'What's sourdough?'.
sigh
in reply to Sunnie2day
Oh dear. Where do you live? Honestly the one we use is fantastic, but it is on the Outskirts of Nottingham. For anyone interested it is called the Small Food Bakery, check them out on Instagram Sunnie, it will defo make you salivate.
Sunnie2day in reply to
I know it would - sourdough bread done right is absolutely heavenly. I lived in San Francisco for two years in the late 1970s and there was a bakery on Pier 39 that made sourdough so delicious with such an incredible aroma I could smell it from the car park.
Hard to find good sourdough and even harder to make where I live in NE Scotland, sad to say.
in reply to Sunnie2day
I suppose things could be worse it might have been NW Scotland! I will have an extra slice for you at lunchtime
Brilliant new bakery in York-Little Arras. Wonderful sourdough
Bit of a drive but next time we're down that way I'll be sure to look for it, thank-you!
Sunnie I have been to pier 39 in San Franciso. The bread is indeed devine😊
Isn't it just? I'd buy three or four loaves and eat one on the way back to the house. The scent would fill the car and make me hungry, there just was no waiting to get that bread home!
Is sourdough healthier than wholemeal bread?
As to that, I really don't know. All I know is a cheese toastie on sourdough is the ultimate comfort food - anything on sourdough is the ultimate comfort food!
We better open a sourdough bakery in Camster Burn area Sunnie
That would be Heaven indeed! We live in Angus but my folk are Caithness and we go up once a year to visit graves. If you're still there, truly you live in God's Country (apologies to the Yorkshire folks but it is what it is ) - my husband is Morayshire so we compromised and live in Angus!
Oh I wish I lived in Caithness having sourdough toast and freelance chook eggs every morning. Sadly I have lived in Singapore for 20 years and this is my home now. I will visit Camster Burn before I pass on and not fall in like you did so many years ago. 77 next year and hope my Angina stays at a minimal level or if not, I have a stent procedure later on. You take care and keep giving all the patients on here the benefit of your valuable advice. Angina is not a death sentence huh !
The mayo link does says that it's not been proven that it lowers cholesterol. Probably best to agree to disagree on this one ☺
I use Benecol and Flora spreads. Both claim to reduce cholesterol. Since replacing butter (apart from on scones or croissants) with these alter so and taking statins my cholesterol level has dropped by more than 50% in 12 months.
in reply to rockie1952
You can cook with Benecol as well, my wife uses it all the time now. Lets be honest, anyone with Heart disease should be cutting butter out, full stop.
Sunnie2day in reply to
I upticked you because I know you're right about butter. But...back away from my unsalted butter or things will 'get ugly'
😂 xxxx
I also use Benecol & it definitely does reduce cholesterol. I can’t have statins as they caused many problems for me. I would highly recommend Benecol. rockie1952 that’s an excellent drop for your cholesterol, well done x
in reply to valezio
The Flora stuff is good as well though.
valezio in reply to
I will try that, I have heard good reports about it. Thanks. Take care xxx
Hi I'm new here, does Benecol really work. I also are having a lot of problems with statins. Any other advice you could give me regarding alternative for statins please.
Hello again. I’m sorry to hear you also have problems with statins, I think there is an alternative tablet if you can’t take statins, ask your doctor about it. It may help you. Statins just had to be stopped for me as there was muscle damage (a blood test reveals that) and also I had pains in my legs and shoulders. I can say for definite Benecol really does help bring your cholesterol level down. Don’t be afraid to ask your Dr or a nurse practitioner for advice. Good luck, hope things improve for you, take care xxx
Use olive oil spreads for toast and sarnies, but it has to be butter for mash and on pasta.
Try and get your GP too specify your nutrition (unlikely) so go to nutrition .org. THere are 6 KPI substances with daily intakes. Butter is high in fat so limit it. Sodium can also be bad for some heart conditions. Google nutrition and you will find many papers on heart disease then try and have a 2nd conversation with your GP. GPs have dieticians but not many have nutritionalist. Physios are though. Good luck. It can all go into your Apple phone and it will be seen against your vitals
Use good olive oil it is simply the best
Hi, I have been using benecol buttery spread, it has all the right fats for good cholesterol.
Butter in moderation for me too. It is far more natural than any man-made product.
in reply to MountainGoat52
Butter is made from Cows milk, which is intended for feeding up baby cows, not humans, what makes you think it is natural? Do you know that all humans are actually born lactose intolerant?
MountainGoat52 in reply to
Well for the small amount I have, I still prefer it to eating margarine and spreads. I also prefer skimmed milk to water on my breakfast cereal.
in reply to MountainGoat52
The breakfast cereal one is tricky, I agree. I usually have jumbo Oat porridge but to be honest it have been giving me a few problems lately and I have swapped to Weetabix for a few days while I get an alternative porridge, but if your going to have cereal I can't imagine anyone would use water. I have tried Oat milk on it and although it works well generally as a substitute it's not great on cereal. Having said this most cereals are full of salt and sugar so we probably should be cutting them out.
Janma123 in reply to
Scottish porridge was always made with water. It was then often eaten with ‘top of the milk’ and salt!!
I make my porridge with water and add a bit of milk and a bit of home made jam!!! xx
dunestar in reply to
That can't be true or the human race would have died out by now.
in reply to dunestar
What can't be true?
dunestar in reply to
Your assertion that all humans are born lactose intolerant.
in reply to dunestar
OK I stand corrected on "Born" intolerant, Milkfairy has described it more accurately, but the point I was making is that Butter is not a "natural" product, as Humans were not meant to consume cows milk.
The dairy industry also contributes significantly to Greenhouse gasses and is also pretty nasty as regards animal rights.
The term ' natural' is interesting it comes with the belief that it is somehow better.
Very little of the food we eat is natural or truly unprocessed.
Human beings are omnivores our teeth and digestive system designed to eat a wide variety of different food.
This will include meat and milk products from other mammals cows, goats and sheep.
Humans have been processing their food for thousands of years. Taking wheat grains processing them through milling , kneading and baking to make bread.
Milk to make cheese
Fermentating and salting food to preserve food through the winter.
Making oils from olives etc
Canning and drying pulses, vegetables and fruit.
Even jam is a processed food.
Camel's milk is given to children in some parts of the world.
What we eat is influenced by our culture, availability, income, knowledge of how to cook, and personal beliefs.
I am off to process my sourdough into bread .
Kneading bread is very good therapy 😊
Janma123 in reply to
The UK dairy industry is highly regulated and animals are well cared for and well treated. Modern dairy cows are bred to produce large quantities of milk and frequently do not have the mothering instinct to raise a calf.
in reply to Janma123
You can dress it up all you wish, but at the end of the day the animals are kept consistently artificially pregnant. The milk industry contributes 3% of Greenhouse gasses.
Lactose is the sugar found in all mammals milk including human milk.
It is not uncommon for a child as they grow to become intolerant of lactose. This is more common in some parts of the world than others reflected in the traditional diets having minimal dairy products .
It is not uncommon for babies to be intolerant of cows milk which is why breastfeeding is encouraged by midwives and other healthcare professionals
Very rarely some babies are born with true lactose intolerance and fail to put weight on, have skin rashes and have alot of pain due to gastric problems. These are babies that cry a great deal and it's a pretty miserable experience for the parents and the baby.
More often lactose intolerance is often temporary and may occur if a baby has an allergic reaction cow's milk protein in their mother's breast milk, formula milk , infection or antibiotics.
tunybgur in reply to
True, in fact humans are the only species that continue consuming milk and milk products after weaning, so there's very little truly natural about that. In fact many of our staples are not particularly natural or good for us, just cheap to produce in volume, refined grains for instance, and all the other carbs.
Low fat dairy products are good sources of protein and calcium!
Totally agree with you, the point I was making is that we as a society are reliant upon industrial processes to feed us (although there are still a few 'hunter gatherers' in existence, the Inuit, certain Amazonian tribes etc) but by and large we are fed heavily processed foods which are energy rich but also the source of most of our modern ailments, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, cancer, obesity etc.
Redbanjoblue in reply to
All babies are lactose intolerant? Nonsense!
in reply to Redbanjoblue
If you read through the posts you will see that I have stated that most mammals, humans included, lose the ability to metabolise lactose once they emerge from infancy. My point was that consuming cows milk in adulthood is not "natural", and that the increasing trend to do so in establishments such as Starbucks and Co in the form of "milky coffees" dressed up as whatever the on trend name is, is contributing to climate change in a significant way, as is Beef production.
Redbanjoblue in reply to
It’s patently untrue that humans are lactose intolerant. Adult Europeans have consumed milk for thousands of years, as have many other peoples around the world. If you don’t want milk don’t have it, but this pseudo science nonsense is better suited to a food fad blog than a serious health forum.
in reply to Redbanjoblue
The subject of the post was is there a healthy substitute for butter, and the answer is yes, there is, as butter is high in saturated fat which is specifically bad for people with CHD - this is not pseudo science it is a fairly universally accepted fact in the medical world. The fact we have been consuming it for thousands of years is totally irrelevant and the consumption of foods which are high in saturated fat is extremely suited to a health forum particularly a heart health forum. Humans become lactose intolerant because they naturally lose the ability to digest it once they are weaned off it, because they then do not need it. It is not natural for humans to consume the milk of a cow, either as a baby or an adult, fairly obviously - it is a substitute for human (mothers) milk. It is also a fact that the production of it contributes around 3% of greenhouse gasses, and that, along with may other things, we need to reduce it, as we do Beef production. I can't see what is pseudo science about any of these facts?
Hello, I’m afraid I’m old fashioned in this respect. I actually find the best thing to be butter, but use it in moderation. I really don’t trust any alternatives with their various additives. Having said that if there is a natural vegetarian or vegan alternative, I haven’t tried it.
Thank you
But that is for Type 2 Diabetes not heart Disease, do you actually have Heart Disease?
Thank you
We only use olive oil based spreads now.🥪
Yes but do you actually have heart Disease? This is a Heart disease forum.
Janma123 in reply to
My husband has heart disease - most likely cause - Type 2 diabetes! So very relevant!
in reply to Janma123
If you don't mind me asking, what caused his Diabetes?
Janma123 in reply to
Poor diet, too much sugar and not enough exercise! He had a contracting business with diggers and similar machines on hire to local authorities etc. He didn't eat breakfast, was starving by mid morning and having a sweet tooth would go for the sweet bakery offerings instead of a sandwich. He also eats very little veg - his diet now is still heavily carb - despite everything I do to add in the veg. Habits learned as a child are difficult to break - his mum loaded stuff with sugar (a legacy of wartime rationing!)
I use Flora there are different types along with statins it seems to keep my cholesterol stable
Benecol with Olive Oil
You are right that processed foods are not necessarily healthier. All the spreads and highly processed & full of additives. I'm staying with butter .
Depends on which of nature's products. Olive oil is probably healthier but not great on toast, scones etc and not so good for baking. Butter, cream and full cream milk are natural products and are high in fat so not so good for your heart. Everything in moderation and eat a balanced diet is key.
I feel your being a little obtuse here but anyway, adults lose the ability to metabolise lactose, as it is intended for babies. Cows milk is intended for baby cows, which is why it is not a "natural" product for humans to consume. It's intended to make baby cows grow into big cows.
I'd lob in a 'lol!' but you're right, I think. Unsalted and made spreadable with a few drops of extra virgin olive oil blended in a food processor or mini-chopper. A little goes a long way.
I just swear by good Sourdough bread which is very popular here in Singapore. Sooo healthy and free of all those nasty E's.
This may be a better forum for all your diabetes chats. This is a Heart ❤️ forum
Good luck
Diabetes and Hearts are almost always mentioned in the same sentence. What a strange observation that this is only a Heart Forum.
Regards
Sorry but since my Heart operation it has never been mentioned to me about diabetes. Maybe because I don’t have or show any symptoms. That’s why I joined the British HEART foundation forum.
Sorry for my misunderstanding
Heart disease & diabetes are very much linked. If you attend the heart clinic at your surgery & have regular blood tests done, it'll usually include a test for diabetes.
The British Heart Foundation
carries out research into cardiovascular disease and risk factors of heart disease one of which is diabetes.
Diabetes is very much related to heart disease so yes it is relevant and the BHF collaborates with other charities to research into diabetes, strokes and vascular dementia to name just a few.
bhf.org.uk/what-we-do/our-r...
bhf.org.uk/what-we-do/our-r...
🙇🏼♂️I never said the BHF did not. My point is that a separate forum is available for people with diabetes.
My god is it that big an issue to only be concerned with heart issues. 🤷♂️
Diabetes and heart disease are closely linked. Elevated blood sugars cause irritation that is often a precursor to plaque formation. Well controlled blood sugars help control this irritation as do statins and Vitamin C. Many Type II diabetics develop heart disease. Also many people develop heart disease after a heart attack/stents/heart surgery. Some believe that the trauma may contribute to the development.
Saying it is not relevant is like saying smoking and obesity are not relevant!
True. And you've made me laugh a little about chips - we had chips last night (soooo good!) and I could smell the salt on my husband's from the other end of the sofa. The wafting aroma didn't inspire me to sprinkle a bit of salt on mine, I'm glad to say I like mine unsalted now I'm used to it. Even a small amount of salt doesn't have any appeal now.
All "good" things in moderation, not every day.
Wow, how much of an increase did he advise?
My salt restriction is to keep fluid retention down - excess seems to go straight to my pericardium.
BP not a worry for me, either, nor is cholesterol and plaque - after my angio in November 2019 I had the two cardiologists and all the nurses telling me they wished they had my crystal clear arteries. I went home and made jacket potatoes for lunch and felt NO guilt loading mine up with lots of lovely unsalted butter! (That was a one-off, usually I'm more sensible).
Nope not had that. And my good friend who has diabetes has never been invited to the heart clinic. Maybe a bit like TV. Only available in England. 😂😂
Are you on any medication?
Of course after a HA and stent then a triple bypass I am on the usual meds
Atorvastatin. Ticagrelor. Bisoprolol. And aspirin.
Sorry should have asked. What is your heart condition?
I don't have a heart condition, my husband has heart failure
? Whoa 😳 so you comment on issues you have no personal experience of. That’s one of the reasons I don’t get involved with diabetes discussions. I have no experience in that illness and Dr Google I try to avoid.
How rude, you're very defensive!! I commented because heart disease and diabetes are very much linked! My husband has just had his annual bloods done at his heart clinic and as usual the tests included diabetes. Not sure why you object to my knowing that information, don't need Dr Google for that.
Hi Gil
Your out of your depth Heart Clinics are for Heart Failure any other cardiac clinic is normally Consultant Cardiologist led.
In Aberdeen the Heart Failure Clinic is in the Frederick Street Health Complex. Sarah is excellent.
Diabetes is closely linked with Heart Issues you will be checked for Diabetes as a matter of course should you present with Heart Issues.
Stay well Stay safe
in reply to Prada47
Second thing they check is blood sugar after blood pressure. Oh wait, third thing after BP & HR. Diabetes is one of those conditions that is closely monitored in heart health.
I attended Frederick st clinic. Not sure how you think after I have had a HA filled by emergency Stent followed by a triple bypass operation I am out of my depth. Was not aware this was a competition but please advise what I need next to qualify
A little bit of thought before you post. You obviously didn't understand the link between Diabetes and Heart Conditions
I also had my by pass surgery in Aberdeen oh and my heart attack treatment, I had my stents 3 years later in the Bournemouth Royal !!!
I think I am having a nightmare here. Thought about what. I don’t have diabetes. I don’t know about diabetes. I don’t want diabetes. So why would I need to understand about something I don’t have. So that’s way I don’t comment on diabetes.
Very confusing but never mind tomorrow is another day and another round of golf awaits 🥳
I hope the golf clears your head Playing at Hazelhead or the links or Nigg even
Regards
Cruden Bay
Nearly as good as Lossiemouth but myself prefer Dornoch.
Enjoy
Ouch. You need to play Trump. Magnificent. My best mate was a member at lossie for many years. Unfortunately time has passed it by regarding condition and amenities
No green keeper wants to hear "It's raining, it's pouring, the golf course is flooding". We are having our second storm of the day here. The minor flooding from eaier is being topped up! ⚡🌧️
Not being rude at all. I am merely starting my situation as a survivor of heart surgery.
I always find it interesting that people with valve repairs often, but not always, have clear arteries without high levels of plaque/stenosis, in contrast to bypass patients who often have blocked arteries but do not always have valve problems. .
It must be very frustrating for apparently fit people who follow apparently healthy diets, to be told the they have arteries that are blocked or are becoming blocked. The relationship between sugar consumption and insulin levels seems to be critical in avoiding the creation of plaque.
Perhaps the problem lies in the difficulty in recording and identifying insulin levels. Testing for sugar is a simple blood test, as is cholesterol , weight can be measured, as can blood pressure, Improvements in fitness can be recorded by doing beep tests, but without knowing what is happening with insulin levels an informed judgement cannot be made.
What about those of us living with non obstructive coronary artery disease?
No blockages doesn't mean you can't have a heart attack.
Approximately 6 % of heart attacks occur without blocked coronary arteries .
Hi Milkfairy
Mysteries, riddles and enigmas. It appears your one if your roles in life is to educate the medical profession, to demonstrate to the rest of us that life is never simple and to shine a light on complex conditions that are difficult to diagnose, challenging to deal with and are not open to changes and improvements in diet, increasing exercise levels and generally applying all the usual rules regarding dealing with heart problems. No easy answers.
Hi lanc2
I couldn't prevent developing my condition however I do need to ensure I don't develop obstructive coronary artery as well.
This includes all the usual lifestyle measures to protect my blood vessels and heart as well as taking my medication 😊
I had AVR and bypass when I spoke to the surgeon after my surgery I said too much good living! He said my valve was just worn out! I was 68! He said you are either born with good genes or your not.
Blocked artery and a worn out valve!
Margarines with plant Sterols to reduce cholesterol but watch how much salt is in them and the calories can be high.
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