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University of Wyoming

UW Technologies Available for Licensing

Technology Disclosure: 06-062 Shea Nut Butter

 It is estimated that nearly 80 million American adults suffer from some type of cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, heart failure and stroke. In 2006, cardiovascular diseases were the underlying cause of 36.3% adult deaths, making it the number one cause of death in America. Among the major causes of such cardiovascular diseases is excessive dietary intake of saturated fats, which is often common in many popular American dishes. Butter, is one such product which traditionally is very high in saturated fat, with 7 grams per tablespoon. While butter alternatives, such as margarine, are lower in saturated fats than traditional butters, they are very high in trans-fatty acids, which are also known to promote not only heart disease, but also cancer. Because of this, Denmark has now banned trans-fatty foods and Canada is in the process of attempting to do so as well. Therefore, many global markets to trans-fatty foods may begin to become limited. A butter or margarine is needed that would be healthier than those currently on the market.

Fortunately, researchers at the University of Wyoming have developed a type of butter made from Shea nuts, which may eliminate many of above-mentioned health concerns. While Shea nuts do contain saturated fats, such fats have a high stearic acid content. Fats high in stearic acids, as opposed to saturated fats with a low steric acid base, do not contribute to heart disease or elevated blood cholesterol. Shea nuts are also free of the trans-fatty acids currently found in many butter substitutes. Therefore, a butter substitute made from Shea nuts can offer a healthy alternative to butter and margarine.

If you would like to learn more about this Shea Nut Butter and how your company may apply it in commercial situations,  please contact the Director of the University of Wyoming Research Product Center, Davona Douglass. We would be please to share further details.