Many cooking oils may not be as healthy as they are advertised to be, according to new research. This is because when cooking oils are heated they can release toxic chemicals which is why scientists are advising going against using them. So what should you use instead?
According to Robin Konie, a Nutritionist and Natural Health Expert from Brigham Young University, industrialised vegetable oils are a new addition into the “food” world and are unlike traditional vegetable oils. Vegetable oils can be bad because they contain high levels of polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs). But the human body also needs fats for rebuilding cells and regulating hormones. Therefore we need to supply our bodies with the right types of fat, so that they can carry on producing more cells.
Polyunsaturated fats are not a good choice as they can be highly unstable, oxidising easily. Oxidised fats can cause inflammation and the mutation of cells within the body. This oxidation can result in all kinds of health problems including cancer, heart disease, endometriosis, PCOS and more.
Konie suggests that while there is much talk of how healthy Omega-3’s are, there needs to be a balanced ratio between Omega-3 and Omega-6 fats as these are both crucial for good health. It’s vital to get a balance between these two fatty acids as they can best protect against inflammation and cancer. Unbalanced levels of Omega-3 and 6 fats have been linked to numerous cancers and various other health problems. It’s important to avoid as much as possible, all of the additives, chemicals and pesticides involved in its processing.
Which oils to avoid?
- Canola Oil
- Corn Oil
- Cottonseed Oil
- Peanut Oil
- Soybean Oil
- Sunflower Oil
- Vegetable Oil
So what oils should you use?
Use Extra Virgin Olive Oil ideally in salad dressings, humus, mayo, etc. Extra-virgin olive oil is recommended for cooking at lower temperatures.
Avocado Oil is good for use in non-heated dishes, ideally in salads and dressings.
Other good sources of fats include meat, eggs, dairy and fish. Nuts are also recommended in moderation due to their high level of PUFA’s.
Organic Virgin Coconut Oil in particular is an excellent choice of oil. Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid and this has strong anti-microbial properties along with an abundance of medium-chain fatty acids. Organic Virgin Coconut Oil can support healthy thyroid function and proper weight management. It can also promote smooth and supple skin and it can be used in place of other oils and butters.
I understand from a TV documentary that Rapeseed Oil is healthy and I wonder why you don’t mention it? And do the other nut oils like walnut almond hazelnut etc offer a healthy alternative? If only someone could make a comprehensive (and I stress comprehensive!) list of all oils indicating which are to be totally avoided, which are ok to use cold and which ones may be used both cold and hot.
I use Rice Bran Oil, natural vitamin oil. Excellent.
Alex, if you saw it on TV, then it must be true, right? WRONG. BAD STUFF. In North America, the term “canola” a contraction of Canada and ola, for “oil low acid, came into usage in the 1980’s to avoid the linguistic resemblance between the term “rapeseed” and rape. Rapeseed oil was originally produced as a source of a lubricant for steam engines in the 19th century. Since 2009, 90% of the rapeseed (canola) crops planted in North America are genetically modified (GMO) herbicide-tolerant canola varieties. BAD STUFF…
why is grapeseed oil almost unknown? I use only this oil for cooking because what I have researched on the web it is the only oil that does not turn rancid when heated and is chock full of anti-oxidants. Remenber the days of grapeseed extract. Now it is much cheaper as an oil.
Hi William,
Grapeseed oil is classed as a PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acid) derived from the seeds of grapes. As a rule of thumb it is not advised to cook with PUFAs as they have a low smoke point. That means that even when exposed to very low heat they are subject to lipid peroxidation and free radical production quickly takes place. This is therefore more likely to produce inflammation and irritation within our bodies. It is better to use a saturated fat such as coconut oil for cooking, as these are much stable at higher temperatures.
Best of health
Your Good Health Coaching Team