What Oil To Cook With?

Study showed that an out-of-balance diet that’s high in omega-6 fatty acids disrupts the balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory agents in the body, promoting chronic inflammation and elevating the risk of health problem such as asthma, allergies, diabetes and arthritis. The worst one of them is arachidonic acid which is readily converted to inflammatory compounds and excess levels has even been associated with reduced anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3 fatty acids.

Here is a list of much healthier alternatives:

Coconut oil has incredible health properties. It fights viruses and boosts the immune system, helps burn body fat, is easy to digest, and is perfect for high-heat cooking. Although coconut contains saturated fat, it helps lower cholesterol. So use it guilt-free and enjoy its benefits all the while.

Grapeseed oil – although it contains omega-6 fats, they do not have the unhealthy ramifications of hydrogenated oils. Instead, grapeseed oil is heroic in its ability to withstand high-heat cooking. Use it for baking or sautéing; it has a light flavor.

Olive oil contains omega-9 fats and oleic acid. Oleic acid helps your body absorb the omega-3s found in fish oil and flaxseeds. They sensitize your cells to insulin, making it easier for sugar to get into your cells, and for you to burn fat. The best way to use olive oil is by splashing it over salads or steamed vegetables.  If you like to cook with olive oil, use low to medium heat to ensure the delicate fatty acids don’t degrade. Also under high heat the antioxidants in olive oil are replaced by free radicals and other dangerous molecules.

Butter from grass-fed cows – rich in CLA, which has strong anticancer properties. CLA also helps the body naturally pack on muscle and is a very metabolically active fat, preventing weight gain. Once you use conventional butter from grain-fed cows, these benefits disappear.

To summarize, cook with coconut oil, grapeseed oil, and butter from grass-fed cows for high heat, and olive oil for gentle heat. Avoid ingesting safflower, corn, sunflower, soybean and cottonseed oils – they  are poor quality oils with high amounts of pro-inflammatory omega-6 fats.  Canola oil is another oil to avoid. Commonly it is genetically modified, goes rancid when heated, and creates a vitamin E deficiency when ingested. Make these changes today, and it will pay you off with better health and physique!