Butter

Grass-fed butter contains meaningful amounts of four fat-soluble vitamins: A, E, D, and K2. CLA in grass-fed butter has documented research effects including decreasing total cholesterol and reducing inflammation. The omega-3 content of grass-fed butter is substantially higher than that of grain-fed butter. Grass-fed butter is nutritionally superior to coconut oil when used without high heat. Ghee has research supporting its role in lowering cholesterol. Butyrate in butter can inhibit cholesterol absorption in the intestines, providing a direct mechanism for lowering serum cholesterol. High heat destroys the fat-soluble vitamins in butter, eliminating its primary nutritional advantage over coconut oil. Butter contains approximately 2% lauric acid, making it the only common food source of lauric acid other than coconut. Grass-fed butter brands such as Kerrygold are recommended because the cows' diet concentrates nutrients into the milk fat. The cholesterol-related guidance applies specifically to grass-fed, grass-finished butter, not grain-fed dairy butter. Butter used raw preserves its fat-soluble vitamins, making it the healthier choice for raw applications. Butter's cholesterol…