COOKING oil is one of the primary ingredients in any type of dish being prepared at home and in restaurants. Health experts have advised choosing better options when it comes to buying cooking online or at most times, in grocery stores in Singapore.
The question to ask then is, what makes a cooking oil healthy or not? Accordingly, different types of oil are gauged based on the type of fat and the nutrients found in them. Harmful fats include trans fat and saturated fats which can cause the rise of bad cholesterol in the body. Meanwhile, healthy fats are polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats which can help lower risks of heart ailments such as heart attack.
While these “healthier” cooking oils are fairly more expensive than regular cooking oils such as palm oil, the benefits of using these beneficial fats should always be put in mind. While it may take a while to list down all the healthy cooking oils which contain monounsaturated fats, here are three of them:
Olive oil
Various medical researches have shown the unequaled number of health benefits of using olive oil in cooking and preparing heavy meals and light ones too like salads and dressings. Olive oil, which contains 72.9-percent monounsaturated fats and 10.5-percent polyunsaturated fats, is believed to be an effective natural ingredient to help reduce the risks of cancer, diabetes, stroke, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and even depression. A litre of olive oil found in online stores, although brands may vary, ranging from $13.50 to $21.70.
Sunflower oil
While sunflower oil relatively has a lower percent of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats compared to olive oil, it has also been noted to help trim down the chances of common ailments such as heart-related diseases, cancer and asthma. It is also known to boost energy and improve skin health because it is rich in Vitamin E. Sunflower oil is also online at $4.95-$13.80 per liter.
Hazelnut oil
While hazelnut oil contains 78-percent monounsaturated fats and 10.2-percent polyunsaturated fats, it is considered as one of the more expensive types of cooking oils. Aside from helping reduce LDL or bad cholesterol by promoting HDL or good cholesterol, health experts also say that it is good for the digestive system and helps reduce the possibility of having gall stones and ulcers. It is also in antioxidants which are used to fight cancer. Mostly used in baking, hazelnut oil is also popularly known for its sweet smell and nutty taste. Prices for a liter range from $25-$30 in an online grocery store.
Cooking and eating remain to be the most common and a most favorite hobby of people all over the world. Being conscious of using healthier forms of cooking oil is something that must be prioritized to help us live stronger, longer, and even sexier!