Olive oil has gotten its share of the limelight, most recently after a study showing that the Mediterranean diet, which incorporates a healthy amount of extra virgin olive oil, can cut the risk of heart attacks. While a good quality olive oil is great for dressings or light sautéing, it doesn’t work for every preparation method. Here, we enlisted Keri Glassman, MS, RD, CDN and author of “The O2 Diet,” to get the goods on nine other popular oils, their nutritional profiles and how best to use them. If you’re feeling adventurous, pick up a bottle the next time you’re at the market!
Grapeseed oil
The numbers: 1 tablespoon contains 120 calories, and 14 grams of fat (only 1 of which is saturated.)
Why it’s good for you: Grapeseed oil is high in vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene. And due to the high omega-6 content (up to 70 percent), grapeseed oil can be good for psoriasis, acne and many other skin conditions.
How to use it: Since it has a higher smoking point, grapeseed oil is great for frying or sautéing. Its light flavor also makes for a delicious salad dressing.
Walnut oil
The numbers: 1 tablespoon contains 164 calories and 16 grams of fat. Most of the fat is polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Why it’s good for you: Walnut oil contains a variety of minerals, including zinc, selenium, magnesium, copper, potassium and phosphorous. This oil also contains healthy amounts of vitamins C and E, both of which have antioxidant properties.
How to use it: When exposed to high temperatures, walnut oil turns bitter, so it’s best used uncooked in dressings or sauces.
Sesame oil
The numbers: 1 tablespoon contains 119 calories and 13 grams of fat.
Why it’s good for you: Sesame oil has antibacterial properties so using it as a topical treatment or a dietary supplement may help protect against abnormal bacterial growth. It also contains a chemical called phytate, which acts as an antioxidant in cells and may help prevent cellular damage and genetic alterations, decreasing your risk of developing cancer and other diseases.
How to use it: Light sesame oil has a high smoking point so you can fry and sauté with it. It’s also a tasty addition to Asian inspired dressings and sauces.
Safflower oil
The numbers: 1 tablespoon contains 120 calories and 13.6 grams of fat, all of which is unsaturated.
Why it’s good for you: Safflower is high in unsaturated fats making it a healthy choice for the heart and cardiovascular system. There are two different types of safflower oil: one variety is high in oleic acid and has a high smoking point. This type of safflower oil has high levels of monounsaturated fat and vitamin E content, making it nutritionally similar to olive oil. Other varieties of safflower oil are high in linoleic acid and are better suited for using cold.
How to use it: If the bottle doesn’t say “high heat,” don’t cook with it. Instead, use the safflower in salad dressings, as a light spread on breads and as a nutritional supplement.
Sunflower oil
The numbers: 1 tablespoon contains 120 calories and 13.6 grams of fat, all of which is unsaturated.
Why it’s good for you: Sunflower oil is best known for being rich in linoleic, oleic acid and the antioxidant vitamin E, as well as betaine, phenolic acid, choline, arginine and lignans.
How to use it: Sunflower oil is heat stable and makes an excellent cooking oil. It’s also great for baking!
Canola oil
The numbers: One tablespoon contains 124 calories and 14 grams of fat (one of which is saturated).
Why it’s good for you: Canola oil is among the best sources of plant-based omega-3 fat and has the least saturated fat of all cooking oils and is free of trans fat and cholesterol. It’s also a great source of vitamin E. Look for non-GMO or organic canola oil, which is free of genetically modified organisms.
How to use it: Canola oil has a high heat tolerance, neutral taste and light texture, making it perfect for sautéing and baking.
Coconut oil
The numbers: One tablespoon contains 122 calories and 13.6 grams of fat (12 grams of which are from saturated fat.)
Why it’s good for you: Because it’s so high in saturated fat, coconut oil’s health benefits are often called into question. But it actually elevates HDL levels (the good cholesterol) and reduces heart disease. It also contains lauric acid, which has antibacterial, antimicrobial and antiviral properties.
How to use it: Coconut oil has a very high smoking point, making it ideal for frying. When unopened, coconut oil has the consistency of thick hand cream. But if the room temperature is high, usually over 76 degrees, it may liquefy. The oil is still usable in its liquid or solid state.
Flax oil
The numbers: One tablespoon of flaxseed oil has 120 calories and 13 grams of fat (1.5 of which is saturated.)
Why it’s good for you: Flaxseed oil contains alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA, which is a fatty acid that the body converts into the omega-3s EPA and DHA. It also has omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids, B vitamins, potassium, lecithin, magnesium, fiber, protein and zinc.
How to use it: Because of its low melting point, skip the stove. Instead add it to foods such as salads, yogurts and vegetables after they are prepared.
Avocado oil
The numbers: One tablespoon contains 124 calories and 14 grams of fat, mostly unsaturated.
Why it’s good for you: Avocado oil is high in vitamin E and unsaturated fats and contains more protein than any other fruit and more potassium than a banana. Research has shown that avocado oil exerts anti-inflammatory effects that may be helpful in preventing bone erosion associated with periodontal disease.
How to use it: This oil is similar in nutritional value, texture, and taste to olive oil and you can use it for cooking at low temperatures, as well as dips and dressings.
Get more tips and recipes for seasonal eats at Made By Michelle.
Try these recipes using some of the oils mentioned above:
Walnut oil: Seared diver scallops with an apple and celery root salad
Canola oil: Tuna ceviche with coconut dressing
Coconut oil: Veggie tumeric quinoa
Sesame oil: Chicken satays with spicy almond sauce
No comments:
Post a Comment