Tag: Healthy cooking oils

Despite being one of the most widely consumed edible oils globally, the health implications of soybean oil are a subject of intense debate among nutritionists and the public. The question, 'Is soybean oil good or bad?' hinges on a complex interplay of fatty acid content, processing methods, and dietary context.

According to the American Heart Association, cholesterol is only produced in the liver of animals, not plants. This fundamental biological fact means that all pure, plant-based oils, including olive oil, canola oil, and sunflower oil, are naturally cholesterol-free.

While marketing claims can be misleading, the fact is that all vegetable and plant-based oils naturally contain no dietary cholesterol. This is because cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found exclusively in animal products.

While oils do not have a measurable pH level on their own because they are not water-soluble, certain varieties are considered "alkaline-forming" based on the metabolic effect they have on the body after digestion. This classification is a key component of the popular alkaline diet theory.

Despite popular health trends, coconut oil is predominantly a saturated fat, with its saturated fat content ranging from 80% to 90%. It contains only trace amounts of polyunsaturated fats, making the widespread misconception that it is a healthy source of unsaturated fats incorrect.

According to nutrition experts, MCT oil is prized for its ability to provide rapid energy and boost ketone production for those on a ketogenic diet. However, if you are out of stock, looking for a more affordable option, or need an alternative for cooking, there are several viable choices for what can I substitute for MCT oil.

While many view all oil as unhealthy, the truth is nuanced: different cooking oils have distinct health effects depending on their fatty acid profile. This raises the important question, does cooking oil have any health benefits? The answer lies in understanding the difference between various types of fats and their impact on our health.

Limiting total fat intake to 30% of daily calories is key for avoiding unhealthy weight gain, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Determining the best oils can significantly impact what's the healthiest oil to cook with for weight loss.

According to the Canola Council of Canada, canola oil has the lowest saturated fat content of all common cooking oils. So, is canola oil better than nut oil, or does the nutritional profile and flavor of nut oils offer a superior choice for certain dishes and health goals? The answer lies in understanding their distinct properties.

Many people associate olive oil with heart-healthy Mediterranean diets, while palm oil appears in countless processed foods. A 2020 meta-analysis in *The Journal of Nutrition* found that consuming palm oil increases LDL cholesterol compared to vegetable oils low in saturated fat. This raises a critical question for consumers everywhere: is palm oil healthier than olive oil?