We all know that a diet rich in healthy fats is crucial for good health. Olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, and other healthy oils have been touted as the best choices for cooking, dressings, and all our culinary needs.

But what if we told you that not all oils are created equal?.

The truth is, even some of the oils that claim to be healthy can harm us in several ways. Some of the most commonly marketed oils are heavily processed, high in omega-6 fatty acids, and loaded with toxins.

So before you unequally credit your consumption of ‘healthy oils’ to your wellbeing, it’s crucial to understand how these oils can affect your health.

What Makes an Oil Healthy?

Before we get into what’s so wrong with some of the supposedly healthy oils, let’s take a closer look at what makes an oil healthy.

First, any oil that contains healthy fats such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, and unsaturated fats is considered healthy. These fats can help regulate inflammation, lower cholesterol, improve heart health, and more.

An oil that is minimally processed is also considered healthier because it retains its natural nutrients. This is why cold-pressed oils like virgin olive oil and virgin coconut oil are considered healthy.

On the other hand, oils that are heavily processed are stripped of their natural nutrients and may contain harmful toxins. These oils include canola oil, vegetable oil, and soybean oil.

What’s Wrong with Some ‘Healthy’ Oils?

Now that we know what constitutes healthy oil, let’s talk about some popular oils on the market that are not as healthy as they are advertised to be:.

1. Canola Oil

Canola oil is marketed as a healthy oil because it’s low in saturated fat and high in unsaturated fats. However, canola oil is made from genetically modified rapeseed plants, which can be harmful to your health.

It’s also heavily processed with chemicals such as hexane, which is a neurotoxin. Furthermore, canola oil is high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can promote inflammation and cause several health problems such as heart disease.

2. Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oil is a popular oil used in many households. However, it’s not as healthy as many people think. Vegetable oil is usually a blend of oils that are heavily processed.

It’s also high in omega-6 fatty acids and can cause inflammation in the body. Vegetable oil is also high in trans fats, which can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.

3. Corn Oil

Corn oil is often used in cooking and frying. However, it’s high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can cause inflammation. Corn oil is also heavily processed, which means it’s stripped of its nutrients.

Also, most corn is genetically modified, which means corn oil may be harmful to your health.

The Best Healthy Oils to Use

Here are some healthy oils you can safely use in your cooking:.

1. Olive Oil

Olive oil is one of the healthiest oils you can use. It’s high in monounsaturated fats, which can lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Olive oil is also rich in antioxidants, which can help fight inflammation in the body.

Use extra-virgin olive oil to reap the most benefits.

2. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is another healthy oil that’s high in saturated fats. However, research has shown that the type of saturated fat in coconut oil is not harmful to health but can actually promote weight loss.

Coconut oil is also antimicrobial, which means it can help fight off harmful bacteria in the body.

3. Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is high in healthy monounsaturated fats and is an excellent source of vitamin E. Avocado oil is also heat-stable, which means it can be used in cooking without breaking down and becoming harmful.

Conclusion

The oils you choose to use in your cooking can impact your health in many ways. Not all oils are created equal, and some of the so-called healthy oils can do more harm than good.

It’s important to choose minimally processed, healthy oils such as olive oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil. By making the right choices, you can promote good health and well-being.