Cooking oil holds a very important position in your kitchen and its role in your day-to-day life is equally significant. After all, can we think of enjoying those delicious meals without the right kind of cooking oil? So, it is desired that you choose your cooking oil wisely and always use it in moderation.
You can definitely not compromise as far as the health of your family is concerned. Whenever you zero in on a variety of cooking oil, it is recommended that you avoid the ones that contain trans-fats and saturated fats. Then which cooking oil is good for health? Read to know the top five picks.
Olive oil:
When used on a regular basis, olive oil is known to lower cardio-vascular risks. Cook your pastas or pancakes, risottos or salads with olive oil and enjoy a guilt-free gourmet experience. Use it to have your share of vitamins, proteins and minerals too! It is primarily high in monounsaturated fat content. Olive oil is thus helpful in lowering ‘bad’ cholesterol level. Research says that olive oil can even lower blood pressure level and prevent diabetes.
Rice bran oil:
Rice bran oil, which is made out of the ‘bran’ or the outer layer of rice grains, is known to be a healthy variety cooking oil, chiefly because of the ‘oryzanol’ contained in it. It contains monounsaturated fats as well as polyunsaturated fats, which are varieties of ‘good’ fats. A wonderful oil with high smoking point, rice bran oil is excellent for deep frying. So have your share of delectable puri, samosa, fish fry and fried chips without having to compromise with your health.
Canola oil:
The seeds of the canola plant are crushed to make this healthy cooking oil which contains Omega 3, 6 and 9 fats and monounsaturated fats. This oil helps in maintaining good cholesterol levels. The texture is light and the taste is neutral. Thus, whether you wish to bake or dry or sauté, canola oil works really well for every cooking purpose!
Sunflower oil:
Sunflower oil is extracted from sunflower seeds. It contains an amalgamation of polyunsaturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids. The best part of using this oil for cooking is that it has the capacity to hold on to its nutritional value even at higher temperatures. Since its flavour is light, it is not overpowering to your taste buds. Thus, the dish you cook retains its original flavour and taste. However, if you are diabetic, you would do well to skip this oil and opt for another variety instead.
Avocado oil:
This nutty oil is saturated with monounsaturated fats. Using avocado oil as a cooking medium is a good way to include Vitamin E content in our meals. Use it in salad dressing or in grilled chicken dishes and enjoy your meal heartily.
Cooking is an art. Opting for the right kind of cooking oil helps you in perfecting that form of art! So, choose a cooking oil that not only enhances the taste of the meals you prepare but also caters to the needs of a healthy life.