Butter: A Nutrient-Rich Dairy Product

Butter, a dairy product made by churning milk or cream, has been a staple in diets for over 4,000 years. Traditionally crafted from cow’s milk, it can also be made from sheep, goat, or buffalo milk. Butter transforms from a fat-in-water emulsion to a water-in-fat emulsion, solidifying when refrigerated but softening at room temperature.

Nutritional Value of Butter

Butter is packed with vitamins (A, D, E, K) and minerals (manganese, chromium, iodine, zinc, copper, selenium). A tablespoon contains:

• 102 calories
• 11.52g fat (7.29g saturated, 0.43g unsaturated, 0.47g trans)
• 0.12g protein
• 0.01g carbohydrates

Health Benefits of Butter

• Saturated Fats: Support heart health and brain development.
• Fatty Acids: Boost metabolism and immunity.
• CLA: May reduce fat mass and fight cancer.
• Butyrate: Supports gut health.
• Calcium: Strengthens bones and teeth.
• Vitamin A: Promotes thyroid and eye health.
• Antioxidants: Protect against free radicals.

Side Effects of Excessive Butter Consumption

While butter is nutritious, overconsumption can lead to health issues due to its high saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium content (in salted butter). Risks include:

• Heart disease from artery hardening.
• Increased cancer risk due to cholesterol buildup.
• Obesity from excess calorie intake.
• Allergic reactions in lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Sore tongue from excessive fatty food consumption.

Moderation is key. Limit saturated fat to 10% of daily calories (e.g., 22g for a 2,000-calorie diet, or about 3 tablespoons of butter).

Global Milk Powder Exports in 2018

In 2018, the top 15 countries accounted for 77% of global powdered milk exports. Leading exporters included:

• New Zealand: $5.5B (19.3% share)
• Germany: $2.8B (9.8% share)
• Netherlands: $2.5B (8.6% share)
• Belgium: $1.7B (1.6% share)
• United States: $1.6B (5.6% share)

Notable growth was seen in Hong Kong (+244%), Ireland (+34%), and Uruguay (+14%), while Argentina (-24%), Belarus (-39%), France (-36%), and the US (-34%) faced declines.