Types Of Oil – Best and Worst Types For Cooking

What are the best and worst types of oil for cooking? Find out here!

TYPES OF OIL – There are so many types when it comes to oil and these are the types that are best and worst for high-heat cooking.

As much as we all know, oils play an important role. We need this not just for cooking but also for a healthy, balanced diet. However, not all types are created equal if it would be used for heating.

When it comes to oil, we have a lot of choices. We have specific types for specific uses like frying, baking, and even for salad dressing.

But in terms of high-heat cooking, the key is choosing the type that can have its stability as oils that get past their smoke point often produce unhealthy compounds which are bad for our health.

Types Of Oil
Photo lifted from Magnesol

What should we know about oils?

  • The ones labeled ‘virgin’ or ‘extra virgin’ are the does who went through minimal processes and without the use of chemicals.
  • ‘Cold-pressed’ is the type extracted without any heat and they are often referred to as unrefined oils.
  • ‘Refined oils’ are oils processed with chemicals.

Olive oil, avocado oil, sesame oil, and safflower oil are some types that are healthy when it comes to high-heat cooking. They are ideal for heat. And the considered healthiest oil is olive oil – superior to most vegetable oils.

According to a post from Healthline, these are the oils we should avoid using in high-heat cooking:

  • Fish or algae oil
    This is taken in small doses and never in cooking. This is an omega-3-rich dietary supplement.
  • Flax oil
    This is not intended for cooking because it has a low smoke point at around 225°F (107°C). This type of oil is best as a salad dressing because it is a great source of heart-healthy unsaturated fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).
  • Palm oil
    This is a healthy type of oil but not for high-heat cooking and is calorie-dense. It is also linked to some ethical conflicts as production is associated with rainforest destruction and a loss of biodiversity.
  • Walnut oil
    This oil has a lower smoke point of around 320°F (160°C). It is best used as a salad dressing.

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