Do you want to know one of the secrets to a healthy diet? Biologically, our body needs fat so it has its place in a healthy diet. When we hear fat, we assume that it is not healthy. I am afraid that what you have been hearing is just a plain stereotype. As a matter of fact, fat is one source of energy, and it also helps our body absorb certain vitamins like A, D, E and K. Fat aids as well in our satisfaction with the food that we eat and is a key nutrient for proper growth and metabolic function.
Somehow, people always assume that if the food is cooked with oil, it is already unhealthy, and that the words diet or healthy or oil does not blend together. No! Our body needs fat, specifically “the good fat”. The best source of this type of fats is the oil that we use for our diet, and there are plenty of them, but let us just point out the top 5 healthiest types of cooking oil. There are a number of oils that contain lower amounts of saturated fats (which we need to avoid) and higher amounts of unsaturated fats, which our body needs.
Olive oil
Olive oil is the most known with the highest amount of unsaturated fats. It is the most flavorful oil that we can use for home-cooked meals and is very high in heart-healthy antioxidants.
Canola Oil
Canola oil is high in mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids and low in saturated fats. This oil is made from the crushed seeds of the canola plant and is the great source of the omega-6 fatty acid (helps reduce the risk of coronary heart disease) and linoleic acid which our body is not capable to produce.
Peanut Oil
Peanut oil from the name itself is made from peanuts (which is known for a number of benefits). This oil is monounsaturated and is mild in flavor. Peanut oil is known to help people with health issues relating to trans fat and saturated fats.
Rice Bran Oil
Rice bran oil is made from rice and is considered one of the world’s healthiest oils. Some of this oil’s health benefits are lowering of cholesterol levels and fighting diseases. This oil is extremely light and versatile.
Sesame oil
Sesame oil which is very popular in Asia comes in a variety of colors which is a result from the number of ways the seed is processed to make this oil. Since it is packed with a great amount of vitamins and minerals, this oil is known to lower cholesterol level and lower the risks of heart diseases.
Now that you know that you can still use oil and be healthy, you can just choose one of the oils listed above to cook those healthy and nutritious foods. Frying, although not recommended for your everyday diet plan, is not that bad as long as it is done in moderation.
Sources:
- http://whatscookingamerica.net/Information
- http://www.fatfreekitchen.com/cholesterol/cookingoi.html