Healthy Oils, Happy Life: Get the Skinny on the Oils in Your Pantry

Courtesy of Dr.Oz website

While reading about healthy oils, I was pleasantly surprised. I came from a home that used 3 main oils for everything. Vegetable oil for backing. Olive oil for pan searing and dressings. Peanut oil for frying. Of course when I discovered the price of peanut oil. I had to revert back to vegetable oil. Now that whole paradigm has shifted after 10 minutes of research. First, you need to know the types of the various oils. Courtesy of WebMD, I found these important breakdowns:

Saturated Fats
Examples: butter, lard, shortening
Remeber: They will become solid at room temperature
Good to know: They can increase the risk of heart disease

Polyunsaturated Fats
Examples: Canola oil. Sunflower oil, walnut oils
Remember: They will always remain a liquid; even when frozen
Good to.know: They can help to improve blood cholesterol levels.

Monounsaturated Fats
Examples: Olive oil, peanut oil
Remember: They are liquid at room temperature, but become semi-solid when refrigerated
Good to know: They can also improve your blood cholesterol levels making them heart friendly

Something to consider: According to Dr.Oz, the smoke factor is very important when cooking.once it starts to smoke, then the more likely the oils are breaking down.That is why it is important to use fresh oil whenever you cook a meal. Used oils will breakdown more quickly and the quality of the food will not be the same.As someone who constantly reuses her infrequently, this gave me something to think about.

Oils can also spoil so to speak. If it is polyunsaturated oil, it will go sour more quickly that other oils. With that in mind, but smaller quantities when purchases nut and seed oils and keep them refrigerated. Oils that have less polyunsaturated fats like olive oil, coconut oil, and canola would which is fine to keep in a cool pantry.

For high heat cooking: Consider olive oil, avocado oil, clarified butter, and coconut oil.

For medium heat cooking: For site's, baking, or braising, you may use any oil. Choose one that will pair well with the flavors of your dish.

For off heat cooking: For salad dressings or drizzling on a dish use extra virgin olive oil or toasted seed or nut oil.

These are the basics for determining what oils are best for your health and meals. A few educated decisions concerning the which oils that you use that will meet your needs and cut out unnecessary fats and decrease your health risks. I plan to give more information about oils that can be used both for cooking and your tresses. Not all FatS are created equal, but all have a useful purpose. Try out these cooking tips and share your experiences. We would love to hear from you!