Which oil is the best? Is the most often questioned asked by fitness freaks? How on earth are we supposed to decide which is the best oil? Oil is a vital ingredient in our cooking. However, choosing the correct oil will help you to live a healthy life. So here’s a list of cooking oils from which you can choose from.
Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil is extracted from the seeds of sunflower. It contains MUFA (Mono unsaturated fatty acids) and PUFA (Polyunsaturated fatty acids) . Since the smoking point of sunflower oil is high which is why this oil is used in deep frying chips, veggies etc.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains saturated fat. Recent researches say that coconut oil raises total blood cholesterol and LDL too but it also raises the good cholesterol (HDL) . That doesn’t mean it should be banned from the pantry. Saturated fats can be a healthier oil to use when you’re cooking at a very high temperature or frying food (something that definitely should be done in moderation), because italso behaves well at high temperatures.
Groundnut Oil
One of the commonly used oil in india. Groundnut oil is a combination of PUFA and MUFA and is very low in saturated fat (BAD FAT). The biggest advantage is it’s all purpose cooking oil.
Mustard Oil
Mustard oil one of the common oil used in Indian cooking not only enhances the taste and flavor of food but it also helps in fighting many diseases. Cooking with Mustard oil has many benefits it contains MUFA and PUFA’S as well as Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids.
It’s known for it’s versatility. In cooking , it is used for marination, in salads , for frying, preservation. Mustard oil is flavor enhancer, natural stimulant and improves digestion.
Sarson ka tel also has high smoking point almost as high as 250 degree celsius. So it’s ideal for deep frying too
Can you imagine burger, pizza , salads without this oil?
Canola Oil
Canola oil is made from the crushed seeds of canola plant. It’s one of the healthiest oils. It’s Rich in MUFA and Omega 3 fatty acids. Lowest saturated fat content for any oil. Canola oil has medium smoking point so it works best in frying, sautéing, baking.
Olive oil
Olive oil comes from olives, the fruit of the olive tree. Olive oil is one of the richest plant sources of MUFAs, and consuming it can help you meet your needs of this type of fat
Since the smoking point of olive oil is low. It is to be best used in sautéing, salad dressing rather than deep frying
Extra Virgin olive oil
One of the hot favourite oil. It’s darker in color and has less acidity than olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil is full of antioxidants as well as antioxidants that are good for your heart. It is mostly used in salads, pastas, etc.
Rice bran oil
this oil is claimed to be the healthiest oil on the planet. It is made from the outer layer (bran) of the grain of rice. It has good amount of MUFA’S and PUFA’s so it’s definitely good to manage your cholesterol levels. Since it has high smoking point it is good for deep frying as well. But Indians are not well adapted to the taste of this oil. This oil is better in cakes and cookies.
Sesame Oil
Sesame oil is often used in most of the Indian households. Indians have some special love towards sesame oil and is used widely in preparation of pickles and subsist. Sesame oil has relatively low smoking point so can’t be used in deep frying. It is also high in Good fats (PUFA)
Sesame oil is available in two different varieties
1) Light sesame oil: – Extracted from ripened sesame seeds, has a pretty amber color and is used for deep frying.
2) Dark sesame oil: – Extracted from roasted sesame seeds is brownish in color and can be used for stir frying and pickle making
So here we come with a conclusion that every oil has it’s own speciality.Few oils are good for deep frying, few for sautéing, few are good for salads. So we can use a blend of different oils and reap different health benefits.
As per me mustard oil is one of the healthiest oil. It has multipurpose usage you can use it for cooking, in medicine or as an ingredient in your beauty routine and you won’t be disappointed