Researchers investigated data from over 200,000 individuals who were followed for more than 30 years, and found that higher intake of plant-based oils, especially soybean, canola, and olive oil, was associated with lower total, cancer, and cardiovascular disease mortality, whereas butter intake was associated with increased risk of total and cancer mortality. The researchers also found that less than a tablespoon of butter per day with equivalent calories of plant-based oils could likely lower cancer deaths and overall mortality by 17%.