Tip of the Day: Cooking Oil - the Lowdown

Cooking oil is the perhaps the most used ingredient in our daily preparation of food for our family. The types of oil used for cooking varies depending on the food, culture and even region - for example, in Asia, Palm Oil is heavily used as it is widely available, cheap and nutritious (some are cholesterol-free too). Among the other types of oil used for cooking are:

1. Palm Oil
Has a lot various types, and with the advanced manufacturing processes today, are made with various nutrients (there's even a brand that focuses and extra-high Beta Carotene compounds). What you choose is entirely up to you and what you're going to cook.

2. Coconut Oil
There's been a lot of misconception about this, however, there fact is coconut oil is NOT metabolised into the heart, it goes straight to the liver, so there is actually no point worrying about heart problems when you use coconut oil. Again, many brands and many variations here. Can be eaten on its own as a supplement on a daily basis

3. Soybean Oil
A good alternative for cooking, as it is already nutritious without the need for a lot of processing. It is also light in colour and smell, therefore does not affect the look of whatever your cooking.

4. Sunflower Oil
Perhaps conceived as the most 'healthy' cooking oil, as it is very pure in processing, and not very expensive either.

5. Grape Seed Oil
I've already blogged about the virtues of grape seed oil HERE. Being nutritious straight out of the bottle, many housewives use grape seed oil in non-cooking preparations, i.e Salads. Can be eaten on its own as a supplement on a daily basis.

6. Sesame Oil
Used as an additive to enhance the flavour during cooking. Not usually used as main cooking oil, as the oil burns quite easily.

7. Olive Oil
Applications vary, as this oil is very widely used, from cooking to preparation of pastries! This is the favourite oil of the Naked Chef, Jamie Oliver - almost always used in every episode.

Well, that's it, I guess. Before I forget, when you go buy your choice of oil, READ the label. Some oils are not meant for cooking (it will burn easily and quickly and will spoil your food). Make sure it's labelled "Cooking" - or something to that effect.

Post later. Ciao.   

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Tags: mom, tips, cooking, health, fitness, family, women