Google butter these days, and you’ll get hundreds of results saying yes indeed, butter is back in the American diet and may possibly be here to stay.
That’s a dramatic turnaround from previous years, when scientists declared war on saturated fats, recommending that butter should be replaced with supposed heart-healthy substitutes such as margarine.
Nutritional scientist Dr. Chris Masterjohn studies the health benefits experienced by cultures who consume diets high in saturated fat. His specific research examined the Maasai people of southern Kenya and northern Tanzania.
“Two different research groups went to study the cholesterol levels of the Maasai because they consume a very large amount of animal fat,” said Masterjohn. “It was found that their cholesterol levels are really low – major contradictions to the idea that animal fats raise cholesterol and cause heart disease.”
On Nov. 7-9, Masterjohn along with other nutrition experts will present their findings at Wise Traditions 2014, the 15th Annual conference of the Weston A. Price Foundation (WAPF). The conference theme, “Focus on Food” will showcase lectures, cooking demonstrations, and more centered on the “wholesome and nutritious foods of our ancestors” according to a written release from event organizers.
“The anti-saturated fat agenda is crumbling,” said Sally Fallon Morell, president of WAPF. “This conference will highlight the science that supports the need for traditional fats in the diet, for everything from hormone production to weight loss to protection against cancer and heart disease.”
Earlier this summer during a discussion on a provocatively titled New York Times article “Eat Butter,” “Today Show” diet expert Joy Bauer said “I do agree butter, along with other saturated fats like poultry skin, coconut oil, full fat dairy and certain cuts of red meat, are no longer the enemy.”
However, she went on to caution that introducing butter and other saturated fats into your diet is a bit more complex than just lavishly slathering it on your bagels and mashed potatoes. She advises moderation. “If you love butter, add a small amount on vegetables, not a big hunk of bread. If you’re into full-fat milk, add it into your coffee —and nix or minimize the sugar — versus drinking a glass with a stack of cookies,” said Bauer.
While he is not petitioning that anyone go out and completely adopt a Maasai-esque diet, Masterjohn said as a culture we could stand to focus on creating a diet that is nutrient-driven, while steering clear of refined and processed foods.
Masterjohn added that contrary to popular belief, the Maasai diet is not restricted to milk, animal blood, and raw meat. His findings, largely based on research conducted during the turn of the 20th century by German military officer Moritz Merker, shows the Maasai frequently traded with neighboring groups and incorporated fruits such as bananas, as well as herbs, plants, and honey into their eating.
“In reality their diet is wide and varied and has evolved over time,” said Masterjohn. “I don’t think any one piece of evidence is seminal proof of anything but what we can learn from the Maasai is that they had extraordinary health while consuming their traditional diet.”
For more information on Wise Traditions 2014 visit wisetraditions.org.
