The best, healthy oils come from plants. Although not all of these oils are created equally, certain oils have amazing health benefits. In fact, consumption of healthy oils is an important part of your clean eating lifestyle.
Here are 3 of the healthiest oils and what you should know about each one:
AVOCADO OIL
Benefits:
Rich in monounsaturated oleic acids and vitamin E, avocado oil raises levels of “good” cholesterol and lowers the “bad.”
It boosts immunity and acts as an anti-aging nutrient for your skin.
What to look for:
For the highest quality avocado oil, opt for
- Organic
- Extra virgin
- Cold pressed (This means that minimal heating was used when processing the oil. This helps to preserve the nutrient density of the oil)
- Unrefined
How to use it:
Avocado oil is excellent for cooking – grilling or frying – due to it’s high smoke point. It is also a mild, tasty choice to drizzle on veggies or salads.
OLIVE OIL
Benefits:
Studies have found that olive oil is great for heart health due to it’s high levels of monounsaturated fats.
It is also high in antioxidants which protect your cells from damage. Olive oil also helps improve memory and cognitive function and works as an anti-inflammatory.
What to look for:
- Organic
- Real extra virgin (or you will be consuming heavily processed and refined olive oil that is void of the beneficial properties)
- Cold pressed
How to use it:
Olive oil is not recommended for cooking at high temperatures due to its low smoke point. It is best used for making salad dressings or drizzling over cooked foods or dipping bread.
Tips for recognizing real extra virgin olive oil:
Look for a seal from the International Olive Oil Council.
Opt for dark bottles – they protect the olive oil from oxidation.
If it is labeled “light,” “pure” or a “blend,” it is not virgin quality.
COCONUT OIL
Benefits:
Coconut oil is rich in medium-chain fatty acids which are stored by the body as energy, not fat! These fatty acids also improve brain and memory function. The antioxidants found in coconut oil make it an effective anti-inflammatory food that can help reduce inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis.
What to look for:
- Organic
- Extra virgin
- Cold pressed
- Unrefined
How to use it;
Coconut oil is one of the best oils to use for cooking or baking due to its high heat threshold. It can also be added to smoothies and even used as an eye makeup remover.
Remember that portions are important. Just because these oils are healthy, doesn’t mean you should drown your food in them.
Let me know which healthy oil is your favorite.
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