Margarine is made from vegetable oil, is low in saturated fat and is cholesterol-free. Due to it needing to go through a hydrogenation process so it can be solid at room temperature, it is high in trans fat (thought to raise levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and lower levels of good cholesterol (HDL)).
There are butter alternatives on the market including soy margarine, almond butter and other non-animal-based butter alternatives that might be a better choice for people with high cholesterol or related health issues. Keep in mind that the overconsumption of anything, even something deemed as being “healthy,” is itself unhealthy. It depends on the amount of each you consume. For most, butter substitutes are safe as long as they are used in moderation. If health concerns are an issue, we recommend that the individual visit with their doctor