Most people think about fat when they say “oil”, considering oil unsuitable for their diet, especially if they are looking to lose weight. While it is true that oil means fat, it is a false assumption that all kinds of fat are bad for us. In fact, our body needs fats for a wide range of processes, so we need to include them in our diet if we want to stay healthy. Also, believe it or not, there are certain fats, respectively oils, which aid weight loss, so if you are wondering why you can’t manage to shed the desired amount of pounds, maybe it is because you avoided all types of fat. But, of course, we need to be selective when it comes to the oils that we include in our diet, as not all oils are that great. If you want to make healthy choices, then do take a look at the list below and see which oils are essential for our health, together with their benefits.
Olive oil
One of the oldest oils on Earth, olive oil has been used since ancient times and it is still highly appreciated, especially in the Mediterranean diet. In fact, there are islands in Greece, where processed foods didn’t reach all that well, people still having the same old eating habits as they used to centuries ago. Most of these people here manage to live well beyond one hundred years old, scientists believing that this aspect is in close connection with what they eat and how they live. In their diet, olive oil plays an important role, as it is sprinkled over cheese and salads. Having anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to prevent heart diseases, no wonder that the Mediterranean diet is considered to be one of the healthiest.
Coconut oil
With a very pleasant scent, coconut oil is a real treat to have around the house. This particular oil is known for its ability to provide a large dose of energy to the body, not being transformed into fat deposits, as other types of oils end up. Of course, you should not overdo it, it is enough to use a small quantity. Also, while virgin coconut oil is a better version, you should avoid cooking it as it burns off very quickly. Use this kind of oil for cooking as low-temperature oil or as an ingredient for dressings and desserts.
Safflower oil
Safflower oil is a type of oil that is yet to be discovered by many. What most people don’t know is that the number of health benefits of safflower oil is quite impressive, so this oil should definitely be part of many people’s diet. It helps with the management of blood sugar, it improves the skin, lowers the levels of cholesterol, supports weight loss, boosts the immune system, and diminishes the presence of PMS symptoms. So, if you haven’t tried this particular oil so far, you should. Safflower oil has a much higher smoke point than many other oils, meaning that it is more suitable for high-temperature cooking, as it doesn’t become toxic when prepared this way. Also, because it has no particular flavor, you should not worry when it comes to using it for the making of various dishes, as it won’t spoil the taste of your food.
Grapeseed oil
This is an extremely healthy oil that should be used more often than it currently does. Richer in linoleic acid levels, grapeseed oil keeps diabetes and heart diseases at bay. Also, it was discovered that taking oils with high linoleic acid content will help you build lean muscles while melting away your body’s fat deposits. So, whether you are using it for cooking, as it has a high smoke point, or taking a teaspoon of it as a supplement, grapeseed oil is great for your health.
Peanut oil
This particular oil is considered one of the best oils to use when frying foods. It has a very high smoke point and it does not absorb any flavors, so the foods prepared with this particular oil will not change their flavor during the cooking process. Specialists say that you can even use the same pan for frying both fish and chicken, as none will smell or taste like the other, due to the properties of this oil. But, besides being great for frying, peanut oil has a wide range of health benefits as well. It is a good source of vitamin E, antioxidants, monosaturated fats, and phytosterols. Due to its components, peanut oil is said to lower bad cholesterol levels and keep your heart healthy.
Avocado oil
It is well-known that avocados are the best source of healthy fats, even when we’re on a diet, so it comes naturally for avocado oil to be on this list. This kind of oil has as much omega fatty acids as olive oil while helping your body absorb nutrients, such as carotenoids, faster and more effective from food. Not to mention that avocado oil improves eyesight, keeps the heart healthy, and helps us age beautifully. With a pleasant and discreet butter taste, avocado oil is great for being used in salads, soups, sautéed vegetables, but also for frying foods and searing meat, due to its high smoke point.
So, next time you compose your diet, do have in mind that healthy fats should have a place in your daily menu. These fats help your body function properly and, considering the fact that healthy oils also contain antioxidants, they also keep it protected against premature aging. Just make sure to choose the right oils for cooking, as not all of them are great for being used at high temperature. But, when it comes to preparing salad dressings and sprinkling them over fresh salads, any of these oils will work like wonder. If you add them to your diet, you will not feel sorry, as long as you use them responsibly, as exaggerations never lead to anything good.
