Cottonseed Oil is cheap because they grow it for the cotton, but they use a lot of pesticides on it. It’s not controlled as a food. Soybean Oil is high in estrogen, which can cause hormonal problems, including stimulating cancer in men and women. Corn oil is highly processed and refined and is very high in omega-6 fats (which most Americans get way too much of) and low in omega-3 oils (which we need more of).
It’s all about the bad vs the good!
THE BAD OILS: Industrial oils are the ones everyone is talking about. These are genetically modified, refined, chemically extracted, heated, bleached and deodorized. The refining process can raise the smoke point of oils, making them more soluble for high heat cooking. These oils are commonly used for frying, baking and sautéing, and they are found in most restaurants and processed foods due to their mild flavor and low cost.
THE PRIMARY BAD OILS:
- Canola Oil (rapeseed oil)
- Corn Oil
- Cottonseed Oil
- Grapeseed Oil
- Soybean Oil
- Sunflower Oil (depending upon how it is processed)
- Safflower Oil
- Rice bran Oil
- Peanut Oil
THE GOOD OILS:
The healthiest oils are Olive Oil – best as extra-virgin. Some sources dilute it with lower quality oil, make sure you have 100% pure. It can be used for cooking, but you want to include it raw on a daily basis – it even helps weight loss!
Avocado Oil is very healthy and has a lower smoke point than olive oil. Flaxseed Oil is known to prevent breast cancer and it helps you absorb your minerals. My favorite way to eat it is raw on arugula salad with garlic and lime juice- yum! Sesame seed oil can help improve problems with your blood including low platelets and other blood dyscrasias.
Lesser known but powerful health oils are Pumpkin Seed Oil – known to help the prostate, heart, kidney and bladder (aids in lowering risk of stones), calms an overactive bladder, fights hair loss in men, boosts the immune system and metabolism, regulates cholesterol and reduces LDL, fights intestinal parasites, anti-diabetic and lowers blood sugar, high in zinc and magnesium and decreases inflammation.
Black Cumin Seed Oil: From the seeds of Nigella Sativa. It is anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting and supports digestion. It is packed with Thymoquinone, Omega 3’s, B’s, zinc and calcium. It helps balance blood sugar, improve metabolism and support gut health.
Milk Thistle Oil: Supports liver, kidney and gall bladder, lowers cholesterol, blood pressure and supports circulation, and promotes a natural detox. Silymarin, its active ingredient is a strong anti-oxidant and has neuroprotective potential in age-related cognitive decline. Promotes thicker, fuller hair and youthful skin.
Coriander Seed Oil: Is aromatic, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal and rich in vitamins and minerals – including iron, copper, calcium, potassium, manganese, zinc and magnesium.
Kava Oil: Traditionally used for stress relief
Sunflower Seed Oil: High in nutrients, vitamins (including B1, B2, B6, D, E & K) and packed with antioxidants and essential fatty acids. High quality sunflower oil is mostly monosaturated and polysaturated fats.
So, enjoy all the healthy seed oils but limit or avoid the BAD oils used in processed foods and most restaurants.
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