Why bycott food from factory farms

Posted By: Organic Consumers Association (campaign leader)

There are plenty of reasons to boycott milk from factory farms. Beginning with your own health.

Dairy cows raised on grass pastures produce milk that is higher in omega-3 fats, vitamin E, and beta-carotene than milk from cows raised on grain. Milk from grassfed cows also contains five times as much conjugated linoleic acid, an unsaturated fat which protects against heart disease, aids in weight loss and may prevent cancer and diabetes, than milk from grain-fed cows. 

Milk from factory farms, or CAFOs (Confined Animal Feeding Operations)? That comes from cows raised on genetically engineered grains and pumped full of antibiotics and growth hormones—not exactly a recipe for healthy milk. 

But it's not just your health that benefits when you boycott milk from factory farms. Industrial dairy farms, with their endless streams of waste, are a public health risk. Just one dairy-producing state, Wisconsin, produces cow manure in quantitiesequivalent to the human waste produced by the combined populations of Tokyo and Mexico City. New Zealand has a name for it: dirty dairying. And according to this Natural Resources Defense Council fact sheet, manure from dairy cows contaminated Milwaukee's drinking water with Cryptosporidium in 1993, killing more than 100 people, making 400,000 sick and resulting in $37 million in lost wages and productivity. Water contamination from dairies can also cause blue baby syndrome and miscarriages. 

As for the health and well-being of the dairy cows that produce your milk, despite the pretty pictures of happy, grazing dairy cows on milk cartons and company websites, cows raised on factory farms endure intense, sustained cruelty. And most are eventually slaughtered for meat. 

According to 2007 data provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, factory farms produce more than 80 percent of milk sold in the U.S. Organic milk sales account for only 4 percent of the market. The best way to shift those percentages is for consumers to boycott the industrial milk machine, and force the market to produce more alternatives. 

Here are some basic guidelines to get started.

•    Buy USDA certified organic milk, but read the label. 

•    The best organic milk available nationwide in stores is from grassfed cows or goats. It doesn't contain artificial vitamins, nutrients created through mutagenesis, or synthetic ingredients. OCA recommends Organic Valley's Whole Milk Grassmilk.

•    The organic milk with the highest level of animal welfare comes from Animal Welfare Approved farms. Unfortunately, few farms are certified to this standard.

•    Unpasteurized milk is more nutritious than pasteurized milk, but buying raw milk is illegal in most places.

•    Going vegan is the surest way to boycott factory farms. The best non-dairy milk is organic hemp milk. OCA recommends Manitoba Harvest's Hemp Bliss. 

Organic trumps non-organic, but 'grassfed' trumps 'pasture-raised'

Buying certified organic milk is a good way to avoid the worst aspects of factory farms. Organic standards don't allow the routine, preventive use of antibiotics. Farmers have to give sick dairy cows antibiotics if they need them, but they can't sell their milk as organic until the antibiotics have left the animal's system. That means organic dairies aren't contributing to the public health crisis that's causing 23,000 people in the U.S. to die every year from antibiotic-resistant bacteria. 

Organic standards for milk also don't allow the use of the genetically engineered growth hormones rBGH or rbST, which areassociated with lower nutritional value, and higher levels of pus and IGF-1, a growth factor linked to cancer. Organic standards also don't allow the cows to be raised on genetically engineered feed, which means the animals don't suffer from the deformities, sickness and deaths common in animals raised on genetically engineered grains. 

So to avoid milk from factory farms, the first step is to go organic. But not all organic milk is created equal. You'll also want to look for "grassfed organic," which has a number of advantages over "pasture-raised" organic. 

It's safe to say that all organic dairy cows are "pasture raised." Organic rules for pasture-raised set a minimum standard requiring cows to get at least one-third of their diet from grazing on pasture for at least one-third of the year. You'll need to read the claims made on the milk carton and on dairy brand websites carefully to see if they're meeting or exceeding the organic pasture requirements.

If your organic dairy farm doesn't make any claims beyond "pasture raised," then you can expect that it's just meeting the minimum standard. Horizon Organic and the store-brand organic milks fall into this category. For a review of organic milk brands across the country, check out the Cornucopia Institute's Organic Dairy Ratings. The report is a little out of date-it's from 2008, before the organic pasture rules were finalized-but it's useful to know which brands have been doing the right thing all along. 

Milk from dairy cows that are "grassfed" is superior to milk from "pasture-raised" cows. Under the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) definition of "grassfed," dairy cows must be raised on grass and forage exclusively, for their entire lifetimes. That means a higher quality of milk. So look for "grassfed" on the label. But also know that while the "pasture-raised" claim must be verified by a third-party certifier, verification of the grass fed claim is voluntary. 

Organic Valley is the first brand to distribute nationally a 100-percent grassfed milk, called Grassmilk. The OCA encourages consumers to choose Grassmilk over "pasture-raised" organic. But we would also like to see Organic Valley take the extra step of earning a "USDA Process Verified," an "American Grassfed," or a Food Alliance Certified "Grassfed," seal, any of which would serve as verification of the brand's claim that all of its cows meet the USDA's definition of "grassfed."

Organic, yes, but read the label

We also recommend Organic Valley's Grassmilk because it doesn't contain Arachidonic Acid (ARA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA). Both of these synthetic nutrients are currently allowed in milk that has been certified organic, even though they aren't on the U.S. Food & Drug Administration's (FDA) list of essential vitamins and nutrients, and they haven't yet been added to the National Organic Program's list of allowed non-organic substances. (ARA and DHA remain in legal limbo as Obama's USDA tries to clean up the mess left by the Bush Administration. One of the strongest arguments against ARA and DHA has been dismissed by the NOP: that they were created through mutagenesis, a genetic modification technique that can have the same dangerous unintended effects as genetic engineering. Earlier this year, the NOP announced that mutagenesis is allowed in organic as a classical breeding technique).

If you want to avoid DHA, don't choose Horizon Organic milk. The label says it contains DHA Omega 3, which the companyclaims "supports brain health." A consumer lawsuit alleging this claim is false and misleading is pending.

Other reasons to read the label on organic milk? Organic standards allow Vitamins A, C, K, D, E, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, B6, B12, biotin, folate, pantothenic acid, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, iodine, copper, potassium, selenium, manganese, chromium, molybdenum, and chloride in certified organic milk. Synthetic versions of some vitamins also are allowed in organic. Whole milk is not required to be supplemented with vitamins, but 2% and skim milk are. Organic Valley's 2% and skim Grassmilk contain Vitamin A Palmitate and Vitamin D3, both synthetic. 

One thing the USDA certified organic symbol won't guarantee? That the cows that produced your organic milk were humanely treated. So in addition to checking labels for "grassfed" and non-synthetic versus synthetic vitamins, look for products that are Animal Welfare Approved, in addition to USDA Organic. AWA standards prohibit inhumane practices that are allowed in organic, like dehorning. To check for products in your area, click here. 

Is juicing ruining your smile?

Everyone has been jumping on the juicing bandwagon lately but, while juicing diets and cleanses may offer a bevy of benefits for your overall health, those highly pigmented fruits and veggies may not have the same effect on your teeth and gums. Atlanta cosmetic dentist Ronald Goldstein, DDS, explains, “Some ingredients can stain more than others, depending on the color. For instance, blueberries or blackberries crushed up can certainly stain more than lemon or melons do. Most vegetables are not a problem. The main offenders are lower pH ingredients like apples, apricots, blueberries, cherries, mangoes, oranges, grapes, grapefruits, limes, peaches, pineapples, plums, prunes, raspberries and tangerines. People can measure the pH of the juice and if it is more acidic, then there is a greater risk for enamel erosion over a period of time, which can also lead to more staining when the dentin of the teeth becomes exposed.”

So, does this mean you should ditch your juices to save your smile? Not necessarily. Dr. Goldstein offers these tips to maintain your smile:

•    Use a toothpaste such as Supersmile Professional Whitening Toothpaste, which has anti-staining benefits
•    Drink the juices through a straw
•    Try to use more vegetables than fruits
•    Maintain a regular schedule of professional cleanings
•    Consider porcelain veneers because porcelain won’t stain as much as enamel


If you have no time for juicing, check this out:

http://skepticstakeonisagenix.wordpress.com/2012/09/14/38/

Five things to consider to improve your digestion

So much of your health is dependent upon good digestion. Now, this might be a completely new concept to you, if you only think of your digestive system as a tube that gets you your fuel. But if you think about how your food becomes your fuel, then you’ll realize that the food you eat ends up being the building blocks for growth and/or repair through good digestion. If you’re not digesting well, then the food isn’t being properly or efficiently broken down into the building blocks your body needs, or your body isn’t able to properly absorb the bits it does break down.

Does your digestion need a tune-up? Check to see if you feel any of these symptoms:

• difficulty losing weight
• allergies
• excessive belching or burping
• feel heavy or bloated after eating
• feeling sleepy after eating
• bad breath
• have skin issues (dry, flaky skin or acne, eczema, psoriasis, dandruff etc.)
• constipation or irregular bowel movements
• migraines
• seeing your food in almost whole form again, after you’ve eaten it – that is undigested food in your poop OR vomiting/nausea

These are only some of the symptoms that can come from having a less-than-optimally functioning digestive system, and indeed, prolonged digestive issues are associated with a leaky gut, but if you’re wondering how to improve your digestion, thankfully there are things you can start doing TODAY:

1. Slow down

Can you hear your mom’s voice in your head saying “Slow down when you eat!”. Like most things, mom was right – slowing down gives your body time to switch gears from doing whatever you were doing before and focus on eating and digesting your food.

2. Sit down

Something so simple as sitting down to eat can have a profound effect on your digestion. (And for the record, sitting in your car doesn’t count, because you’re either driving and distracted from eating, or more dangerously, eating and distracted from driving. Even if you’re the passenger, this posture still isn’t ideal). If you’re seated at a table, then at least you’re not walking or running while eating – jostling your body around doesn’t help your body to do its thing on your food. By sitting at a dining table, your mind is also giving your body cues to start up the digestive process, because before your mouth even takes a bite, your brain is the organ that engages your body into getting ready to digest through what you see, smell and think about.

3. Relax

When you’re stressed, your stomach acid secretion gets suppressed, and your body actually actively uses up your stored nutrients to deal with the stressors. Because your brain is what starts your digestion, you’ll want to relax or at least do away with as much stress as possible when you eat. If you’re angry or upset, you are diverting your body’s energy away from digestion and into ‘fight or flight’ mode – neither of which is conducive for getting you nutrients!

4. Chew your food thoroughly

Once you get that food into your mouth, your most purposeful contribution to the digestive process is how well you chew your food. (I chew chew chews you!)

Now, there’s no prescribed number of times that you need to chew, but the more your break down the food in your mouth, the easier it will be for the rest of the processes down the line. You’re aiming to swallow food that is as liquid-y as possible, and not food chunks. If you really need a number to work with, count how many times you are currently chewing your food, and then try doubling it. Think about the texture as you swallow. If it’s more liquid than solid, then you’re doing well.

Chewing your food also helps signal the secretion of salivary enzymes which are the first step in digesting starches and fats, in addition to many other reasons, like helping to reduce food particles in the mouth, and reducing excess bacteria in the intestine.

5. Limit the amount that you drink with your meals

This one might not be obvious, especially when anytime you sit down to eat at a restaurant, the server so kindly fills up a tall, cold, glass of water for you with your meal. But, if you’re drinking a lot of water with your food, you’re effectively diluting your stomach acid. Cold drinks act to shock the digestive system out of doing its thing too. So when you’re eating, you’ll want to take small sips of room-temperature water, but not big gulps of something icy cold.

Try doing these five things starting today and see if your digestion improves. If you’re already doing all five things and still having digestive issues, you may want to consult a holistic nutritionist or a naturopathic doctor. Or, if you’d like, you’re welcome to shoot me a question. I also highly recommend this 28-day natural nutrition course that you can access from anywhere in the world – it’s put on by my friend and colleague Maranda of Propel Wellness – the first week of the program is dedicated to improving your digestion

Read more: http://therealfoodguide.com/how-to-improve-your-digestion/#ixzz2tbyiKfEo

Five Steps to Get Six-Pack Abs Fast

Want abs? What you eat is more important than how many crunches you do daily.

Contrary to popular belief, a six-pack is not made in the gym—it’s made in the kitchen.

Sure, you have to build some muscle if you want definition, but to reveal those coveted abs, your diet has to help blast away the fat layered on top that keeps them hidden. Here are five fat-torching steps to help melt away the fat for good, exposing that hidden six-pack.

Step 1: Keep calories low, but protein and fiber high

When it comes to getting lean—as opposed to just losing weight (and muscle in the process)—the quality of your calories matters. The amount of protein, carbohydrates, and fat you eat can change how you burn calories and how hungry you are throughout the day. Cutting calories while keeping the percentage of calories from protein high has been shown in studies to help boost metabolism and maintain muscle (that, in turn helps you burn more fat), while keeping you feeling satisfied longer (1, 2). Getting just enough carbohydrates along with fiber also helps you to feel full longer leading to a reduction of calories over time (3).

IsaLean Pro is a great example of a low-calorie meal replacement (290 kcal) with the right amount of high quality protein (36 g), low-glycemic carbohydrates (21 g), and fiber (6 g) to promote fat loss and muscle maintenance, curb hunger, and provide long-lasting energy. Although IsaLean Pro shake is made mainly of undenatured whey protein, it also contains some other milk protein (casein). The ratio of these two types of protein in the shake is ideal for stimulating fat loss and also for preserving metabolically active muscle, which is essential for maintaining a high metabolism.

Whey is the best form of protein to increase fat burning potential and trigger muscle growth, but casein provides a sustained release of protein that inhibits muscle breakdown and encourages fullness. IsaLean Pro offers all the benefits of both types of protein, maximizing fat burning capacity and satiety, and inhibiting muscle breakdown during the hours between meals.

Step 2: Go for extra undenatured whey protein after workouts and at night

An extra dose of undenatured whey protein after a workout can help stimulate repair and growth of muscle damaged during intense training for maximizing muscle reserves and metabolism. In addition, whey consumed before bed helps to stimulate overnight fat burning and muscle building, and also to take advantage of the benefits of whey in improving sleep quality (4).

Unlike the IsaLean Pro shake, which is a complete meal replacement, IsaPro is made entirely of pure undenatured whey protein concentrate without any other accompanying nutrients. IsaPro can be added anywhere in the diet to boost daily protein intake and provide its fat burning and muscle building powers.

The various benefits of IsaPro in supporting weight loss have prompted its use as the main component of a unique fat-burning cocktail known as “the Bedtime Belly Buster.” Isagenix users have created several variations of this concoction, combining IsaPro with other Isagenix products such as Fiber Pro, IsaCalcium, Want More Energy?, or IsaFruits. In addition to improving sleep quality, the Belly Buster may also support weight loss goals by replacing high calorie late-night snacks that would otherwise sabotage efforts.

Step 3: Cut extra fat calories with calcium

Studies have shown that calcium can play a direct role in body fat reduction because of its ability to increase fat burning, reduce fat absorption, and promote an increase in metabolic rate (7). Taking a dose of calcium for at least seven days has been shown to increase fat burning capacity by 11 percent. Some evidence also shows that calcium can prevent fat from being absorbed in the intestine. Calcium binds to dietary fat and bile in the gut forming a soap-like substance that cannot be absorbed. This insoluble soap is then eliminated from the body, effectively reducing fat intake. In addition to boosting fat burning power and elimination, there’s some evidence that getting sufficient calcium may reduce food intake (7).

Ageless Essentials Daily Pack (AEDP) provides optimal levels of vitamins, minerals (including plenty of calcium), fish oil, and antioxidants in convenient AM/PM packets. The components of AEDP offer a wide variety of health-promoting benefits. The best absorption of calcium occurs when it is consumed over the course of the day, which is one of the reasons that the AEDP AM and PM packets are great. Using AEDP ensures that the body gets optimal calcium to enhance weight loss.

Step 4: Lose weight through better sleep with melatonin

Sleep quality and duration predicts weight loss in dieting adults, according to recent research (8, 9). The reason is that insufficient or poor quality sleep upsets the body’s circadian rhythm, adversely affecting many processes including metabolism and appetite regulation. This may trigger an increase in appetite-stimulating hormones, encouraging overeating and stifling weight loss efforts (8). Even losing moderate amounts of sleep can have devastating and wide spread effects on the body. Sleeping less than six hours per night has been shown to disrupt as many as 700 different genes that regulate metabolism, immune system response, and stress response (10).

Isagenix Sleep Support and Renewal provides melatonin as a healthy way to promote quality sleep. Melatonin is a hormone produced by the brain that regulates sleep and wake cycles. High levels are released at night to promote drowsiness, with levels dropping off in the early morning hours. Light-emitting screens from televisions and cellular devices can interfere with and suppress melatonin production, disturbing the sleep cycle by increasing alertness and shifting circadian rhythms later. In addition, as people age melatonin production wanes. Using Isagenix Sleep Support & Renewal before bed maximizes sleep quality and duration to ensure weight loss success.

Step 5: Cleanse off the extra pounds

Studies on intermittent fasting have shown that it may be more effective for weight loss than cutting calories alone (11). In addition, the Isagenix system, which includes Cleanse Days, specifically has been shown to stimulate greater fat loss than a leading heart-healthy diet plan (12). The difference between regular intermittent fasting and Cleanse Days is that use of the Isagenix product Cleanse for Life helps promote healthy weight loss and optimal health through supplementation of potent botanicals. Unlike other cleansing regimens that deplete the body of nutrients with laxatives or diuretics, the botanicals used in Cleanse for Life nourish the body by supporting antioxidant defenses and detoxification systems (13, 14).

On the Isagenix cleansing system, a weekly regimen of one or two Cleanse Days is paired with five or six Shake Days, where 2 shakes and a meal are consumed. Cleanse Days permit the body to burn through fat while stimulating the release of fat-stored toxins. Incorporating Cleanse Days with Shake Days is not only a proven method for revving up fat burning, but it can also reset food cravings and help preserve lean muscle. Resetting food cravings supports weight loss by reducing the urge to overeat during post-cleanse meals, while keeping muscle ensures maximal metabolic rate and efficiency in calorie burning.

These five steps, especially with use of Isagenix products, are the tools you need to reveal your inner six-pack – for good! You’ll find the fat covering your abs doesn’t stand a chance with Isagenix.

http://www.fatbgone.org.isagenix.com

References

1. Westerterp-Plantenga MS, et al. Dietary protein – its role in satiety, energetics, weight loss and health. Br J Nutr. 2012 Aug;108 Suppl 2:S105-12. doi: 10.1017/S0007114512002589.
2. Belza A, et al. Contribution of gastroenteropancreatic appetite hormones to protein-induced satiety. Am J Clin Nutr. 2013 Mar 6. [Epub ahead of print]
3. Hairston KG, Vitolins MZ, Norris JM, Anderson AM, Hanley AJ, Wagenknecht LE. Lifestyle factors and 5-year abdominal fat accumulation in a minority cohort: the IRAS Family Study.Obesity (Silver Spring) 2012;20:421-7.
4. Res PT, Groen B, Pennings B et al. Protein ingestion before sleep improves postexercise overnight recovery. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2012;44:1560-9.
5. Chaput JP, Tremblay A. Sleeping Habits Predict the Magnitude of Fat Loss in Adults Exposed to Moderate Caloric Restriction. Obes Facts. 2012;5:561-6. DOI: 10.1159/000342054
6. Markus CR, Olivier B, Panhuysen GE et al. The bovine protein alpha-lactalbumin increases the plasma ratio of tryptophan to the other large neutral amino acids, and in vulnerable subjects raises brain serotonin activity, reduces cortisol concentration, and improves mood under stress.Am J Clin Nutr 2000;71:1536-44.
7. Gonzalez JT et al. Effect of calcium intake on fat oxidation in adults: a meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials. Obesity Reviews 2012; DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-789X.2012.01013.x
8. Calvin AD, Carter RE, Adachi T, Macedo P, Albuquerque FN, van der Walt C, Bukartyk J, Davison DE, Levine JA, Somers VK. Effects of Experimental Sleep Restriction on Caloric Intake and Activity Energy Expenditure. Chest. 2013 Feb 7. doi: 10.1378/chest.12-2829. [Epub ahead of print]
9. Chaput JP, Tremblay A. Sleeping Habits Predict the Magnitude of Fat Loss in Adults Exposed to Moderate Caloric Restriction. Obes Facts. 2012;5:561-6. DOI: 10.1159/000342054
10. Möller-Levet CS, Archer1 SN, Bucca G, Laing EE, Slak A, Kabiljo R, Lo JCY, Santhi N, von Schantz M, Smith CP, Dijk D. Effects of insufficient sleep on circadian rhythmicity and expression amplitude of the human blood transcriptome. PNAS, 2013.
11. Harvie MN, Pegington M, Mattson MP et al. The effects of intermittent or continuous energy restriction on weight loss and metabolic disease risk markers: a randomized trial in young overweight women. Int J Obes (Lond). 2011;35:714-27.
12. Varady KA, Hellerstein MK. Alternate-day fasting and chronic disease prevention: a review of human and animal trials. Am J Clin Nutr. 2012.
13. Ahmad MK, Mahdi AA, Shukla KK et al. Withania somnifera improves semen quality by regulating reproductive hormone levels and oxidative stress in seminal plasma of infertile males. Fertil Steril. 2010;94:989-96.
14. Krikorian R, Shidler MD, Nash TA et al. Blueberry supplementation improves memory in older adults. J Agric Food Chem. 2010;58:3996-4000.

Probiotics for Weight Loss

Did You Know…that probiotic supplements may help you shed pounds much more easily?

Most people have heard about probiotics by now.  Simply put, probiotics are beneficial bacteria believed to improve your overall health and immunity by improving your digestive health.  Probiotics are available in supplements (capsules, pills, and powders) and foods (fermented foods such as yogurt, kombucha, kefir, and more).

At first, it may seem strange that bacteria could offer such potent health benefits, since we often associate bacteria with illness.  But our digestive systems are home to more than 500 types of bacteria that keep our intestines healthy and aid digestion.  These bacteria are also believed to help the immune system.

Now, probiotics for weight loss is emerging as an exciting trend. New research published in the British Journal of Nutrition suggests that probiotics may also be key to losing weight and keeping it off. 

Subjects Lost Almost Twice As Much Weight with Probiotics 

The new study was conducted by researchers at Laval University in Quebec.  It involved 125 overweight men and women, all of whom followed a 12-week weight-loss diet, followed by a 12-week maintenance period.

In addition to the weight-loss diet, half of the participants took probiotic supplements every day, and the other half took placebo pills.

The results? 

• After the 12-week weight-loss period, women who took the probiotic pills had lost 9.7 pounds, on average.
• Women who took the placebos only lost 5.7 pounds.

Just as exciting as the initial weight loss was the fact that after the 12-week maintenance period, the women who took the placebo pills stopped losing weight.  In contrast, the probiotics group continued to shed pounds, losing 1.8 more pounds, on average.

By the end of the study, the women in the probiotics group also had less of the intestinal bacteria known to be related to obesity in their systems.

What About Men? 

For unknown reasons, the probiotics did not have the same slimming effect on the men who participated in the study.  Some scientists speculate this may be due to the fact that women have a more difficult time losing weight, and the probiotics provided the necessary boost.

To take advantage of the slimming effects of probiotic supplements, researchers suggest not only taking a supplement, but also eating more foods that contain probiotics and following an overall healthy diet that’s low in fat and high in fiber.

Read more: http://undergroundhealthreporter.com/probiotics-for-weight-loss#ixzz2sxV3bJBq

fatbgone.org.isagenix.com/
Fiberpro has the prebiotics and probiotics

SPREAD THE NEWS! MARGARINE IS FINALLY BEING REJECTED

By Ethan A. Huff (Natural News)

Good old-fashioned butter has once again become the spreadable fat of choice for most Americans, who new research says are increasingly opposed to synthetic fat spreads like margarine that have long been hailed as healthy alternatives to animal-based saturated fats. The American Butter Institute recently found that per capita butter consumption is at a 40-year high, the direct result of the longstanding margarine health hoax finally collapsing.

According to the data, butter sales are up a whopping 65 percent since 2000, topping $2 billion annually in the U.S. The average person is also eating a lot more butter these days, with per capita consumption hovering around 5.6 pounds annually. On the flip side, the overall number of margarine consumers has dropped significantly in recent years, despite the fact that U.S. health authorities continue to demonize saturated fats in favor of margarine and vegetable oils.

"As the locus of health and nutrition concerns have shifted away from fat content and toward worry over processed foods, margarine sales have tanked," writes Roberto Ferdman for Quartz, noting that margarine sales are currently at a 70-year low. "Since 2000, sales are down by more than 30%. Meanwhile, butter consumption in the U.S. hit a 40 year high in 2012."

"Margarine has become a marker for cheap, processed, artificial, unhealthy food" 

But the heavy processing required to manufacture margarine is hardly the only major issue people are having with the butter substitute. Nutrition professor Marion Nestle from New York University recently told Bloomberg reporter Matthew Boyle that people are done with margarine. Many now realize that, unlike natural butter, margarine is nothing more than a man-made, synthetic fat substitute with little or no nutritional value.

"Margarine has become a marker for cheap, processed, artificial, unhealthy food," she is quoted as saying, noting that the opposite is true for how butter is viewed.

There is also a major shift taking place with regard to the way that people view saturated fats. Surviving decades of propaganda that decried them as unhealthy, saturated fats are undergoing a resurgence as people discover that they have been lied to about the "dangers" of saturated fats.

There's No Such Thing As "Healthy" Margarine

"ALL margarine [is] made of bad fats - PUFAs [polyunsaturated fatty acids]," writes one commenter over at MarketWatch about the issue. "[T]hey oxidize rapidly, are unnatural and are all trans-fat as a by-product of their manufacture. They were NEVER healthy in any way. Natural fats are saturated and mono-saturated."

Even Unilever, the multinational consumer products giant that invested tens of millions of dollars and more than 20 years' worth of research into promoting margarine as better than butter, now admits that it made a huge mistake. Antoine Bernard de Saint-Affrique, head of Unilever's food division, told investors last month that his company would be shifting gears and ditching the product that it worked so hard to promote.

"For the last 20 years or so, we have been too obsessed, overly obsessed on the fact that butter was opposed to margarine," the company executive stated, noting that Unilever has already begun incorporating more real butter into its spread formulas. "I'm happy to say that this time is over and we have changed. And we have changed in a very significant way."

Meanwhile, a growing number of health professionals, including Aseem Malhotra from the U.K.-based Academy of Medical Royal Colleges Obesity Steering Group, are coming forward in support of saturated fats. Malhotra recently told the media that, contrary to popular myth, the saturated fat in butter has not been scientifically linked to causing heart disease and is actually a necessary part of a well-balanced diet.

When looking for which butter to buy, remember to look for grass-fed organic butter. It may cost a little more, but consider it an investment for your health.