Recently, a new product has appeared on store shelves - spread. Many do not know what a spread is, and therefore are suspicious of this product. However, in the West it is in great demand. It is consumed in larger quantities than butter. To clarify the situation, let's talk about what a spread is.
This word came to us from the English language. It translates as “stretching” or “smearing”. This is the name given to a product that contains a milk fat replacer, is easily spread and has a plastic consistency.
There is a misconception that the spread is margarine or low-quality oil. Butter consists only of animal fats. In contrast, a new product consists of several types of this component. Sperd is a combined product that contains vegetable fats (coconut, palm and other vegetable oil) and animals. For example, the proportion of animal products in margarine is minimal.
Particular attention is paid to controlling the composition of this product. The use of chemicals in it is strictly controlled. Therefore, the use of margarine causes more harm to the body.
And now in more detail about what a spread is and what its properties are.
It contains much less cholesterol. This distinguishes it from butter. Therefore, it is more suitable for those who adhere to a diet. Low calorie content is also a positive quality spread. The combined composition allows you to saturate the body with various useful substances.
The shelf life of this product is significant, which is also a positive quality. The spread can be used for the preparation of confectionery and baking. In addition, it does not burn during frying.
If we talk about the disadvantages of this product, then they still exist. This is, first of all, the presence of trans fats obtained by artificial methods. As a result of this process, vegetable oil is processed into a more solid structure. These ingredients affect the condition of the walls of the arteries, which is the cause of heart disease, diabetes, cancer and others. Therefore, their share should not be higher than 8%. But, unfortunately, even most brands of butter contain these components.
Spread fat should not be less than 39 percent.
This product is divided into several types.
The first type is spreads in which the proportion of milk fat is 50%. They are similar in composition to butter.
The second type is products containing from 15 to 49% of dairy components.
And finally, the last type of spread is more reminiscent of margarine, since there are no dairy products in it.
Spread is not a harmful product. In addition, many people recently prefer to buy it. Therefore, they must have complete information about what a spread is.
Some manufacturers often give it as butter, indicating this name on the package. It should not be. On the packaging, the manufacturer must indicate the amount of vegetable and milk fats contained in this product. If there are no dairy components in the spread, then the manufacturer indicates this. This product should not be claimed as a quality product.
The quality of the spread also depends on the type of plant components that were used for its production. Palm and coconut oils do not contain trans fats and are more preferred. The second type is a combination of these products and processed vegetable oil. The spread may also contain artificial dairy components. Despite this, the proportion of trans fats in them is minimal.
Using this information, you can choose a really high-quality spread if you prefer this particular product.