Healthy Cooking Oils

Rather you dabble in the kitchen from time to time or you make daily meals for yourself or your family most cooks use oils, butter, margarine or cooking sprays to coat your pan or saute. With so many choices what is the healthiest option?

Lets start with what is commonly known, you may be familiar with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and some of its beneficial properties. 

• Rich in Omega-3 & 6 Fatty acids
• Heart Health benefits  (increased elasticity of arterial walls reduces vascular stress and consequentially the risk of two common causes of death—heart attacks and stroke)
• Lowers Cholesterol (Unlike saturated fats, olive oil lowers total cholesterol and LDL levels in the blood)
• Vitamin E & K
• Antioxidants (Polyphenol antioxidants, carotenoids, and oleuropein)
• Moisturizing to the skin (used for many natural remedies)
• Colon Cancer prevention

There is another choice commonly available to you... Grapeseed Oil. So what is the difference between grapeseed oil and extra virgin olive oil? The truth is they share the same nutritional value both being high in antioxidants, heart friendly, rich in Omegas 3 & 6, cholesterol-free, skin-moisturising- used in natural and cosmetic usages, amongst many other health remedies and benefits. However, there's a couple things that stand out about grapeseed oil.

• Higher in vitamin E
• Has the lowest level of saturated fats amongst ALL oils
• High smoke point (420 Fahrenheit, which means can be heated higher and is good for frying)
• Neutral  in taste- versatile without masking the taste of delicate dishes and good for baking
• Emulsifies well, great for salad dressings or making a mayonnaise (as well as olive oil but olive has a stronger taste)

Conclusion, through many studies grapeseed oil is said to be higher in benefits although both are VERY great choices to keep in your pantry. I love the taste of olive oil! 


*Note that like any oil, oils can become rancid quickly if not stored properly so keep in a cool dark place (a cabinet or pantry) and not on your counter exposed to sunlight. When purchasing always buy in darker glass bottles not plastic, because plastic is porous and can make your oil go rancid (become stale and bitter) faster. You only get the maximum health benefits of olive oil if its EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL. Stay away from (i.e. Light, Virgin Olive Oil or Oil Olive Blends).