Butter has long been a contentious topic among health experts, with some warning of its potential to raise cholesterol levels, while others champion it as a nutritious and tasty addition to meals.

In 2021, James Martin, 52, released a book dedicated to the ingredient and the many recipes you can include it in. 

Discussing the health implications of butter, he previously told Love Food: “It’s a British problem. In the UK we have this natural obsession with stuff and I don’t know why. Everywhere in the world manages to eat butter in moderation.

“It’s a natural product and I’d rather eat that than whatever vegetable spread is. Do you know what margarine is made from? How do you make a product with so much stabiliser in it and other stuff that shouldn’t be in it? I think I’d rather eat butter all day long, thank you very much.”

Dietitian-nutritionist Rosa Becerra-Soberon has agreed that butter’s appeal extends beyond its taste, highlighting its often overlooked health benefits.

“The key, like James advises, is in moderation. Butter is just one ingredient among the many other ingredients that are used in cooking,” she revealed.

“I tell my clients not to be afraid of using good quality butter, especially grass-fed butter.”

Echoing James’ sentiment that butter isn’t merely a toast spread, she shared its potential health benefits.

On the culinary front, Rosa says due to butter’s high smoking point, it does not get oxidised, making it perfect for cooking.

“The advantage is that it keeps your cells and DNA healthy,” she disclosed. “Enjoy butter as part of a healthy and balanced lifestyle.”

“When using butter for cooking, it helps to improve satiety and decreases sweet cravings as well. The idea is focusing on the quality of food and real food like butter.”

James Martin’s Saturday Morning airs today at 9.30am on ITV.