Here’s what you need to know.

For years, health experts pushed the idea that replacing butter with vegetable oils was the smart choice for heart health. But now, top cardiologists are sounding the alarm: some of these so-called “healthy” oils may actually do more harm than good.

One oil in particular is under fire — and chances are, it’s sitting in your kitchen right now.

The Shocking Truth About Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oils like canola, soybean, and corn oil have long been marketed as heart-friendly alternatives to saturated fats like butter. But recent research paints a very different picture.

According to leading cardiologists, these oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can trigger chronic inflammation, a major risk factor for:

  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Obesity

In fact, excess omega-6 intake has been linked to increased plaque buildup in the arteries, raising your risk of heart attack — the very thing these oils were supposed to prevent.

Butter May Be the Better Choice?

While butter was demonized in the past due to its saturated fat content, new studies suggest that in moderation, butter may not be as dangerous as once thought — especially when compared to heavily processed oils.

Dr. Catherine Shanahan, a nutrition expert and former team physician for the L.A. Lakers, says:

“Butter is a natural fat that humans have eaten for thousands of years. Highly refined vegetable oils, on the other hand, are new to our diets and created using industrial chemicals and high-heat processing.”

What to Avoid – and What to Use Instead

Vegetable oils to limit or avoid:

  • Soybean oil
  • Corn oil
  • Canola oil
  • Cottonseed oil
  • Safflower oil

These oils are often used in processed foods, fried foods, salad dressings, and even “heart-healthy” margarine.

Healthier alternatives include:

  • Olive oil (extra virgin, cold-pressed)
  • Avocado oil
  • Butter from grass-fed cows (in moderation)
  • Coconut oil (in moderation)

These fats are less inflammatory, more stable during cooking, and more compatible with traditional human diets.

The Bottom Line

Don’t be fooled by the “heart-healthy” label on your bottle of vegetable oil. While these oils were once recommended, modern science is revealing the long-term risks they may pose — especially to older adults with cardiovascular concerns.

Want to support heart health naturally? Focus on whole foods, natural fats, and avoid processed oils whenever possible.