Margarine was once considered a healthier alternative to butter, but certain types may not be as healthy. Butter has saturated fat, and many hard margarines contain high levels of trans fat. Trans fats are used to make margarine more solid. Both saturated and trans fats can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends using liquid margarine or soft margarine in a tub. Also, check out the Nutrition Facts label to look for margarines that are free of trans fat.
