Take Control spread is a cholesterol-lowering margarine enriched with plant sterols—natural compounds found in plants that help block cholesterol absorption in the digestive system.
By replacing regular margarine or butter with Take Control, individuals can reduce their LDL (bad) cholesterol levels by 7–12%, based on clinical studies.
Although Take Control was once a leading brand, it has become less prominent in recent years. However, similar products remain widely available and effective.
How Do Plant Sterols Work?
Plant sterols and stanols have a chemical structure similar to cholesterol, allowing them to compete with dietary cholesterol for absorption in the intestines. This competition reduces the amount of cholesterol entering the bloodstream. Consuming 1.5 to 3 grams of plant sterols daily can lower LDL cholesterol by up to 12.5%.
Margarines like Take Control spread are ideal carriers for plant sterols due to their fat content, which aids in the solubility and absorption of these compounds.
Butter vs. Margarine: What Sets Them Apart?
Origin and Ingredients
- Butter:
Butter is a natural dairy product made by churning cream. It contains saturated fats and cholesterol, derived from animal fat. Butter has been used for centuries in cooking and baking. - Margarine:
Margarine is a plant-based spread created as a substitute for butter. It’s typically made from vegetable oils and may include additives like emulsifiers, colorants, and sometimes plant sterols. It can be dairy-free, making it a choice for vegans or those with lactose intolerance.
Nutritional Profile
Butter:
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- Higher in saturated fats (~7g per tbsp)
- Contains dietary cholesterol
- Rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K (fat-soluble vitamins)
- Natural but higher in calories
Margarine:
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- Usually lower in saturated fat, but may contain trans fats if partially hydrogenated oils are used (though rare in modern formulas)
- No cholesterol (unless blended with dairy)
- Some brands are fortified with plant sterols for heart health
- Often has added vitamins
Health Considerations
- Butter has been linked to higher LDL (“bad”) cholesterol due to its saturated fat content. However, more recent studies suggest that moderate butter intake might not be as harmful as once believed, especially when balanced with a healthy diet.
- Margarine, particularly varieties with plant sterols or omega-3s, is often recommended for heart health. Still, it’s important to avoid older margarine versions containing trans fats, which are worse for cardiovascular health than saturated fat.
Taste and Usage
- Butter is praised for its rich, creamy taste and is a favorite for baking, especially in pastries and cookies.
- Margarine has a lighter flavor and often spreads better at cold temperatures. Some people prefer it for toast and cooking due to its smoother texture and lower cost.
- According to market research, health-conscious consumers are shifting toward margarines with added health benefits, such as cholesterol-lowering spreads.
- Meanwhile, artisanal and grass-fed butters have surged in popularity among consumers looking for natural, minimally processed foods.
- The rise in plant-based diets has boosted demand for vegan margarines, especially those free from palm oil or hydrogenated fats.
Brands of Margarine with Plant Sterols
Several brands offer margarine products fortified with plant sterols:
- Benecol: Contains plant stanol esters; shown to reduce LDL cholesterol by 10–14%.
- Flora ProActiv: Offers a range of spreads enriched with plant sterols; clinically proven to lower cholesterol.
- Promise Activ: Provides a light spread option with added plant sterols for heart health.
- Smart Balance HeartRight: Combines plant sterols with omega-3 fatty acids to support cardiovascular health.
These products are widely available in supermarkets and health food stores.
Recent Trends and Innovations
The market for cholesterol-lowering margarines has seen innovations, such as the combination of plant sterols with omega-3 fatty acids to enhance cardiovascular benefits.
Additionally, research continues to support the efficacy of plant sterol-enriched spreads in lowering LDL cholesterol without adverse effects on vascular function.
FAQs
Q: Is Take Control margarine still available?
A: While Take Control has become less prominent, similar plant sterol-enriched margarines like Benecol and Flora ProActiv are readily available.
Q: How much plant sterol-enriched margarine should I consume daily?
A: Consuming 1.5 to 3 grams of plant sterols daily, typically found in 2–3 servings of fortified margarine, can effectively lower LDL cholesterol.
Q: Can I use plant sterol-enriched margarine alongside statins?
A: Yes, combining plant sterol-enriched margarine with statin therapy can provide additional LDL cholesterol reduction.