What is the healthiest oil to cook with? | Mohit Bansal Chandigarh
As a college student, it can be difficult to navigate the world of nutrition and healthy eating, especially when it comes to cooking oils. With so many options available on the market, it can be challenging to determine which oil is the healthiest to cook with. However, with a bit of research and knowledge about the various types of oils, it is possible to make informed choices and take care of your health.
The first step in determining the healthiest oil to cook with is to understand the differences between the various types of oils. Some oils are highly processed and contain unhealthy trans fats or high levels of omega-6 fatty acids, while others are minimally processed and contain healthy omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Additionally, some oils have a higher smoke point than others, which makes them better suited for high-heat cooking methods.
One of the healthiest oils to cook with is extra virgin olive oil. It is an excellent source of mono-unsaturated fat, which has been linked to a decreased risk of heart disease. It is also high in antioxidants, which can help prevent cellular damage and inflammation in the body. However, it is important to note that extra virgin olive oil has a lower smoke point than some other oils, so it may not be the best choice for high-heat cooking methods.
Another healthy oil to cook with is avocado oil. Like extra virgin olive oil, it is high in healthy mono-unsaturated fats and low in unhealthy trans fats. Avocado oil also has a high smoke point, making it a great choice for high-heat cooking methods like frying or sautéing. Additionally, it is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect against cancer, heart disease, and other chronic conditions.
Coconut oil is another popular choice for cooking, but it is controversial in the health community due to its high saturated fat content. While it is true that excessive consumption of saturated fats can increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems, some research suggests that the unique fatty acids found in coconut oil may have health benefits. However, it is important to use coconut oil in moderation and choose minimally processed, organic, virgin coconut oil to reap the potential benefits.
One oil that should be avoided for cooking is vegetable oil. Despite its name, vegetable oil is often made from cheap, highly processed sources like soybeans, corn, or cottonseed. These oils tend to be high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can be inflammatory in excess. Vegetable oil also contains trans fats, which are known to have negative health effects. Instead, opt for healthier options like extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil.
Canola oil, made from the rapeseed plant, is another popular cooking oil. It is often touted as a healthy choice due to its low saturated fat content and high levels of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. However, canola oil is often highly processed and may contain unhealthy trans fats. If you choose to use canola oil, make sure to choose a minimally processed, organic variety.
When it comes to using oils for cooking, it is also important to pay attention to the smoke point. The smoke point is the temperature at which an oil starts to smoke and release harmful compounds into the air. Oils with high smoke points, like avocado oil, are better suited for high-heat cooking methods like frying, while oils with low smoke points, like extra virgin olive oil, are better for lower-heat cooking methods like sautéing or baking.
Another important consideration when choosing a cooking oil is the quality of the oil. Many oils on the market are highly processed and contain additives or chemicals that can negatively impact your health. Look for oils that are minimally processed, cold-pressed, and organic to ensure the highest quality and nutrient density.
In addition to considering the type and quality of oil you use for cooking, it is also important to pay attention to portion sizes and frequency of use. While some oils are healthier than others, all oils contain calories and consuming too much can lead to weight gain and other health problems. Use oils in moderation and opt for cooking methods that require minimal oil, like grilling or roasting.
In conclusion, there are a variety of healthy oils to choose from when cooking, including extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil. When choosing an oil, pay attention to the type, quality, and smoke point of the oil, and use it in moderation to maintain a healthy diet
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In a new Longreads essay, Arkansas writer Jordan P. Hickey writes about a Palestinian American chef who honors her family's roots and culinary traditions through her pop-up bakery and cooking classes
And while these aren’t the most complex dishes to grace the text thread, they are the most remarkable, the most joyful, because they are the most improbable. They’re celebrated not because they’re beautiful, but because it means the family ate well that day—because they made something out of nothing.
Read Jordan’s essay, “The Expanding Table: Honoring Palestinian Culinary Tradition in Arkansas,” on Longreads.
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Cooking Youtuber Steve; who has series where he makes good family friendly meals, dishes for picky eaters, tips for everyday cooking. As well as series where he tries to make historical dishes, food and drinks from games and TV.
DnD Youtuber Eddie; who has a long actual play series, videos about his characters and the world he's built. Videos about tips for your role-playing, getting immersed. A series where he tries other TTRPG's and board games.
Dustin persuades Steve to make videos about medieval inspired, DnD friendly meals. And because it does actually seem like a fun challenge, he does it. Dustin looks horrifically smug about it when the videos are a hit, the bastard. (Steve will make him eat something gross as payback. Its fine. Gotta keep him humble.)
And because obviously, Eddie sees the videos. He's always on the search for good DnD shit. But the guy is so fucking hot Eddie doesn't quite know what to do with himself. Except daydream about those eyes, and that hair, and those hands.
So Eddie records himself trying (and only sort of failing) to recreate the food. It comes out sort of ugly but actually nice tasting, so Eddie calls it a win. References the Hot Chef Steve in his video, adds a link to his channel, and tries not to feel his heart beating out of his chest when he sends @'s him with a link to the video. His channel is way bigger than Eddie's, he probably won't see it, Eddie's fine.
Except the Hot Chef does see it, and Eddie sort of loses his mind when he gets a comment or a message from him, thanking Eddie for giving his recipe a go, and giving him credit for the recipe. Eddie's not fine at all, this guy is way out of his league, and Eddie can feel the crush bubbling up under his ribcage, and Oh Fuck he's messaging Eddie.
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