healthiest oil to cook with

Question
what is the healthiest oil to cook with as far as frying etc.

Answer
dscappa,

Ahhh, if life were only that simple.  There is no single answer to this question.

Oils contain a combination of saturated fat acids, polyunsaturated fat acids (PUFA) and monounsaturated fat acids (MUFA).  We know that saturated fat contributes to increased cholesterol and LDL (bad cholesterol), and this will lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.  Unsaturated fats (PUFA and MUFA) can decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease.  There is no real clear answer as to which unsaturated fat is better.  So......

You can pick an oil that has the least saturated fat - this would be canola oil.  You could pick an oil that is high in MUFA or PUFA.  The oil highest in MUFA is olive oil, followed by canola oil.  The oils highest in PUFA are safflower oil, sunflower oil and corn oil.

In summary, the following oils are all pretty good, but some are better than others for frying.  Let your taste buds be your guide.
Canola oil
Olive oil
Safflower oil
Sunflower oil
Corn oil
Sesame oil
Soybean oil

Since frying adds many calories to the foods you prepare, it is not the preferred method of cooking.  Try baking or grilling.

Bon Appetit!

Todd
www.lipid-clinic.com

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