By Suzana Use and Consume Oil With Care
Oil is necessary to maintain health and beauty but too much of it can lead to the destruction of the body. There are a wide variety of oils available but do they contain the same properties? Most of the oils used for cooking are vegetable-based. Fish oil is another type of edible oil which is commonly used as a supplement.
1. Health benefits
One can benefit greatly from edible oils if they know how to use it the right way. Most vegetable and fish oils are rich in essential fatty acids (EFAs). There are two types of essential fatty acids namely omega-3 and omega-6. Essential fatty acids are essential to life. However, they are not produced by the human body. The good news is they can be found in certain foods.
Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fish and olive oil. So how is it able to benefit one’s health? Omega-3 fatty acids is said to be able to lower cholesterol and improve heart functions. Omega-6 fatty acids has been found to crucial for proper brain functioning. It can be found in vegetable oils such as peanut and sunflower oils.
A good balance between the two fatty acids will bring about a significant improvement in heart health.
2. Good versus bad fats
Oils are high in mono-unsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Mono-unsaturated fats help to increase good cholesterol while polyunsaturated fats aid in decreasing the bad cholesterol. However, one need to be cautious as some oils also contains a high percentage of saturated fat such as coconut and palm oil. Saturated fats are known to increase bad cholesterol which leads to the clogging of blood vessels. It is hence best to avoid the intake of coconut and palm oils.
3. Limit your oil intake
Oil has its health benefits but if over consumed, they can cause destruction to the body. This is because oil is high in calories yet easy to over consume because they make food taste better. Consuming too much fat can lead to weight gain which bring about health problems like heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
4. Say no to trans fats
So what are trans fats? Trans fats are man-made and are produced from high temperature treatment, pressure and hydrogenation. Hydrogenation is a process which hydrogen is add to oil and allowing them to solidify at room temperature. Trans fats is dangerous to heart health as they increase bad cholesterol and decrease the good ones.
It is hence important to understand what type of oils and fats we are consuming daily and maintain a balance not to over consume.