Healthy oils for cooking
Most likely, you know a little about healthy oils and their uses. You probably already use them in homemade dressings, use them to season salads, or even put them in dishes after they’ve cooked. The problem is, many healthy oils aren’t so healthy once they heat up. Molecules shift and break apart when heated, and it’s important to find oils for cooking that won’t introduce dangerous free radicals and other harmful compounds to your system. However, many oils that are stable for cooking have serious consequences for your heart health. There are very few healthy oils that also make good cooking oils. Finding the right cooking oils is all about finding the right fats. Of all the healthy oils on the market, we believe these are the very best oils for cooking.
Coconut Oil
First, you should know coconut oil has a high concentration of saturated fats. This is what allows it to become solid at room temperature and liquid on the stove. The term ‘saturated fats’ summons visions of heart disease and high blood pressure, but the truth is, natural saturated fats used in moderation aren’t that bad. Did you know coconut oil boosts your good cholesterol? So long as cholesterol isn’t your chief dietary concern, coconut oil is still better than many other options. Coconut oil has antioxidants that help prevent disease, and certain chemical compounds may even help you lose weight.
That said, understand that coconut oil isn’t a miracle food. Since it’s so high in saturated fats, you should use it sparingly, even if you’re active and not at additional risk for heart disease. It is likely the healthiest saturated fat available on today’s market, however, and many of its touted health benefits are very real.
Olive Oil
A number of studies have linked olive oil to the long lifespan and great heart health of people from the Mediterranean. As far as versatile cooking oils go, this humble ingredient takes the prize. Olive oil handles heat well and is also very low in saturated fats. Moreover, it’s recommended by heart health professionals. Not only can olive oil lower your bad cholesterol, but it may help balance blood sugar and insulin levels, as well. This means olive oil isn’t just great for those with heart health concerns, but also those who suffer from or are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Healthy Oils in Moderation
Remember, even healthy oils are still fats, and you should use them in moderation. Try cooking at slightly higher temperatures when making stir-fries or other meals on the stove. This allows you to use less oil, which is the healthiest option of all.
Your specific health concerns should inform your choice of cooking oil. While coconut oil has some excellent benefits, it doesn’t help your heart the same way olive oil can. Keeping a variety of oils on hand will help you get the best nutrition from your diet and also cook a greater variety of food. Amazing as olive oil is, sometimes coconut oil works better. Variety is the spice of life, and so long as you choose carefully with regards to your personal health and use moderation, there’s no need to restrict yourself to a single healthy cooking oil.