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Butter Making A Comeback As New Study Suggests Health Benefits

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Long linked to obesity and high cholesterol, butter is making a comeback just as a new study suggests it may not be as bad for us as we thought.

It's hard to imagine eating a baked potato or corn on the cob without butter.

"Butter is better. Butter is delicious, it adds amazing flavor," said nutritionist Nicolette Pace.

Yet despite how good it tastes, doctors have long told us that butter isn't good for us because it contains bad fat.

"Saturated fat can increase your triglycerides and that has an association with heart disease," said cardiologist Dr. Daniel Yadegar.

But now, new research is turning everything we've heard about butter on its head.

"It's a necessary part of our diet," Pace said.

Researchers from the University of Cambridge in England found butter and other fats like it may not be as bad for us as once thought, and may even have some health benefits, Gainer reported.

"Their conclusion was that increasing saturated fats in our diet does not incur an additional cardiovascular risk," said Yadegar.

"It has a tremendous amount of nutrients," Pace said.

Pace said butter is actually rich in vitamins and important fatty acids.

"The brain tissue is 60 percent fat. Without adequate supply of fat, it's going to suffer," Pace said. "You'll have mood problems, you'll have fatigue."

But Yadegar warns the study is not a green light to load up on butter and saturated fats.

"This can't be a carte blanche to put butter on everything," he said.

Yadegar said a heart-healthy diet including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish is still best.

"Everything in moderation," he said.

Coincidentally, butter sales are at an all-time, 40-year high, Gainer reported.

If you are going to eat butter, experts say whipped butter is best because it contains fewer calories.

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