The most likely contributor towards the plant oils being healthier is, I can only assume, their makeup of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. Most research seems to suggest that having a more balanced ratio of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids results in reductions in all cause mortality. Since most diets nowadays significantly over represent omega 6, it's usually recommended to focus on Omega 3 to swing the ratio back the other way.
Butter has very little Omega 3 (a teaspoon only has about 25mg~) and is mostly just a saturated fat, which can be used for energy, but has little health benefits, besides the Vitamin A and E. It does not meaningfully contribute to either Omega 3 or 6.
Seed oils on the other hand can have significant amounts of Omega 3, depending on the oil. There's a bunch of caveats when it comes to seed oils, as how they're processed or the type used in cooking can effect if they are oxidized (and thus become a health hazard). But a high quality seed oil high in Omega 3, such as an expeller pressed Canola oil that was not exposed to too much heat, will offer significant sources of Omega 3 (and 6), without the cholesterol of Butter. I suspect that's where most of the health benefits are coming from.
Since most seed oils are quite sensitive to oxidation when exposed to heat, I personally think Avocado oil is the safest to use when frying, as it has the highest smoke point. But for salads, or low heat applications expeller pressed canola is a fantastic choice.
Occam's Razor has to be employed here:
They are both sources of fat, one animal basis, one vegetable basis.
Ultimately, the overall amount of fat consumed and the ratio to carbohydrates is probably key.
People will gladly put butter on bread, but not smear it in olive oil -- same with the idea of mashed potatoes.
The most likely contributor towards the plant oils being healthier is, I can only assume, their makeup of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. Most research seems to suggest that having a more balanced ratio of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids results in reductions in all cause mortality. Since most diets nowadays significantly over represent omega 6, it's usually recommended to focus on Omega 3 to swing the ratio back the other way.
Butter has very little Omega 3 (a teaspoon only has about 25mg~) and is mostly just a saturated fat, which can be used for energy, but has little health benefits, besides the Vitamin A and E. It does not meaningfully contribute to either Omega 3 or 6.
Seed oils on the other hand can have significant amounts of Omega 3, depending on the oil. There's a bunch of caveats when it comes to seed oils, as how they're processed or the type used in cooking can effect if they are oxidized (and thus become a health hazard). But a high quality seed oil high in Omega 3, such as an expeller pressed Canola oil that was not exposed to too much heat, will offer significant sources of Omega 3 (and 6), without the cholesterol of Butter. I suspect that's where most of the health benefits are coming from.
Since most seed oils are quite sensitive to oxidation when exposed to heat, I personally think Avocado oil is the safest to use when frying, as it has the highest smoke point. But for salads, or low heat applications expeller pressed canola is a fantastic choice.
Too bad flaxseed oil tastes absolutely revolting. The only thing I use the bottle I have is to oil by cutting board 😂
Flax seeds, on the other hand, delicious.