A few weeks ago, we talked about how to use essential oils, but what about everyday cooking oils? Now, when you go to the grocery store, olive oil is not your only option. The array of cooking oils, from avocado oil to walnut oil, is truly overwhelming. Find out of the benefits of each oil and make getting what you want less stressful.
Olive Oil is the most well-known, go-to oil on the shelf. Odds are, this is the one that is already in our own cabinet. With this being said, why is olive oil always the go to? And what makes it ‘extra virgin’? Extra Virgin Olive Oil is said to be one of the healthiest oils to cook with, as well as the most versatile. The ‘extra virgin’ part is very important. This means that the oil has not been heavily processed. Olive oil contains a majority of monounsaturated fat. This fat is known to reduce inflammation and can help with cholesterol levels.
Olive oil also has a lower smoke point relative to other cooking oils. This means that it is best for low and medium-heat cooking.
The next most popular, and equally versatile cooking oil is Coconut Oil. Many people see coconut oil on the shelves but are not quite sure how to use it. The consistency of this oil is not the same as many other oils. This is a much thicker oil but gains popularity because of its benefits to skin and hair in beauty products. Coconut oil has a high saturated fat content. Some people think that is a good thing and others try to stay away from it. Not all saturated fats are bad for you, but they can heighten your blood cholesterol levels. Coconut oil specifically can help with digestion, to clear up a urinary tract infection, and to boost the immune system when consumed in moderation.
Coconut oil is best for cooking at a high temperature. Use coconut oil for frying food instead of other oils or shortening.
New trends have led Avocado Oil a forefront in the oil race. The biggest drawback of avocado oil is that it tends to be more expensive. Other than that, avocado is not heavily processed, just like EVOO, and promotes gum health, hair growth, and hydrates skin. Avocado oil is cholesterol-free and heart healthy because of its levels of monosaturated fat. Avocado oil is also a good choice for cooking because it doesn’t have much flavor but adds a bit of creaminess just as an avocado might.
Avocado oil can easily replace anything you use extra virgin olive oil with. The main difference is that avocado oil has a higher smoking point so it can be cooked with foods at higher heats like a stir-fry.
Sunflower Oil is another great choice as a cooking oil. One tablespoon of sunflower oil contains almost one-third of a person’s daily recommended vitamin E intake. Vitamin E helps prevent infection and protects our eyesight. Another great reason to cook with sunflower oil is because the unsaturated fats in the oil give you a natural energy boost without the crash. Just like any other type of oil, monitor your intake. Sunflower oil is high in omega-6s which are pro-inflammatory. Make sure to balance it out with omega-3s, which are anti-inflammatory. Sunflower Oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor.
It may not be great for cooking, but as an oil for a salad dressing, to drizzle over pasta, or to flavor fish, Walnut Oil is a great addition to your pantry. Walnut oil is high in polyunsaturated fats, which is an essential, healthy fat and has a rich, nutty flavor. Walnut oil can improve metabolism, bone health, and regulates sleep. Be careful when cooking with walnut oil over heat, heat can give it a bitter taste.
Just like walnut oil, Flaxseed Oil is a great addition to a finished dish, but not great for cooking over heat. Flaxseed oil is great for preventing joint and muscle pains and maintaining bowel health. It is also filled with omega-3s, balancing out the sunflower oil we talked about earlier.
