October 10th, 2014

Let's Dig Deeper...

Yes the Star is right. Unregulated oils pose health risk. HOWEVER, they just hit the surface. Reality is, that most oils pose a health risk especially when exposed to light or when heated. There is so much to discuss when it comes to oils and thus I recommend you do your research, but for the sake of this post the overall truth is that you want to choose stable oils enough to resist chemical changes when heated in high temperatures or else you run the risk of damaging your health. You see, oils such as trans fats including vegetable oil and canola oil, are formed when hydrogen is added during its processing (hydrogenation), to keep if from spoiling, so that foods have a longer shelf life. Through this process, and when exposing these oils to heat, they actually become "rancid" due to oxidation (being exposed to oxygen). One of the ways cooking with vegetables oils can pose a threat to your health is by converting your good cholesterol into bad cholesterol - by oxidizing it which can directly lead to vascular disease. Research has also found that trans fats also contribute to cancer (heated oils are carcinogenic), bone problems, infertility and difficulties with lactation, neurological conditions such as learning disabilities, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Inflammation, ADD/ADHD, liver issues, growth problems, hormonal imbalance, skin conditions and many other degenerative diseases.  Furthermore, many of these vegetable oils are made from genetically engineered crops and are then heavily processed. Therefore, not only is their oxidation, but these oils are containing other toxins such as glyphosate (found in Roundup) and Bt toxin found in genetically engineered corn and soy.

What oils should we be cooking with then?

Out of all of the oils on the market, coconut oils is the best choice for cooking as it is a saturated fat and thus less susceptible to heat damage. Don't be afraid of the term "saturated fat", it truly is the trans fats and hydrogenated oils that we want to avoid. Beyond being the best oil to utilize when cooking in heat, coconut oil contains so many other reasons to consume it, as it is antibacterial and a great way to slow down the release of glucose in the blood stream as well as the digestive process, to allow you to feel more satiated, while regulating your blood sugar levels. Coconut oil is also anti-inflammatory and promotes weight loss amongst many other amazing benefits. 

What about Olive oil?

Once thought to be the healthiest oil to incorporate in the diet, researchers have now found that olive oil is not an oil we want to be cooking with. Although it is more stable than other oils, it contains an overabundance of oileic acid which can create imbalance and has been associated with increased risk for breast cancer, heart disease and oxidation. However, olive oil UNHEATED has many health benefits, so utilizing extra virgin ideally organic olive oil (in a black bottle to avoid oxidation) for salad dressings is a great way to incorporate healthy fat into your diet.

Homework for you...

Homework for all you readers: Go into your cupboards and pull out your jars of oils aka canola, olive or vegetable. Take a whiff and smell them. Do they smell rancid to you? Chances are they have a bit of a tar like smell. This is oxidization and you want to replace them immediately. Try to stick to olive oil and organic nut oils for dressing that are purchased in a black bottle to avoid oxidization from light, as well as coconut oil for cooking! 

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