Hi Ruth,

I want to address your question related to trans fat, margarine, and butter. 

To learn about fats for a low cholesterol diet go to:  Low Cholesterol Diet.

Butter and margarine are both fats providing 9 calories per gram. 

Butter is a saturated fat, which contributes to increased cholesterol levels.

Margarine is made of paritally hydrogenated vegetable oils.  Vegetable oils are unsaturated and better for heart health.  The key words are "partially hydrogenated".  To make oils solid, hydrogen is added, resulting in a trans fatty acid by-product.  These trans fatty acids are just as bad for heart health as saturated fats.

Be sure to read labels when you shop.  As of January 2006, all packaged food products must list trans fat content on the food label.  Select margarine with zero trans fats.  Some margarines will have an extra label that says "no trans fats" or "trans fat free".  

So, bottom line, margarine is the better choice over butter, but select margarine with zero trans fats.  Better yet, select a light margarine with no trans fats!

Here's an article where you can learn more - Trans Fatty Acids: What's the Worry?

All the best,

Lisa Nelson, RD, LN

Lower Cholesterol, Control Blood Pressure, Lose Weight