From: Dr. Neal Pinckney (hnl02-050.gst.aloha.net)
Subject: Re: Benecol Light Spread - heavy caution
Date: March 13, 2000 at 9:34 pm PST

In Reply to: Benecol Light Spread posted by Chuck on March 13, 2000 at 4:29 pm:

You quoted the most important item in your post - per serving: 30 calories, calories from fat: 30. That equals 100% calories from fat.

Benecol and products like it are only beneficial when they are used as a substitute for margarines that contain hydrogenated oils (trans-fatty acids), animal fats or palm oils. In comparison to those, Benecol is
less dangerous (somewhat different from "good for you")- but cutting down on ALL fats, including Benecol, is the best way to prevent and reverse heart disease and the risk of stroke.

The Wellness Letter of the University of California, Berkeley, Medical School cautions you that the cholesterol lowering "benefits" of Benecol are marginal, while the dangers of fats plugging one's arteries remain.