The use of cooking oil is essential for the preparation of many dishes. However, it is important to choose the right cooking oil to avoid unpleasant surprises and preserve the health of our body.
The different types of cooking oils
There are several types of cooking oils, each with their advantages and disadvantages.
Olive oil is a vegetable oil obtained from the cold pressing of olives, a fruit of the olive tree. This oil is highly valued for its richness in monounsaturated fatty acids, a type of fatty acid considered healthy for the body. In addition to this, it is also rich in antioxidants, which play an important role in fighting free radicals that can cause cell damage and diseases such as cancer.
Thanks to its composition of monounsaturated fatty acids, it is ideal for cooking over medium heat, as it resists heat well without losing its nutritional properties. It is also excellent for marinades, bringing a delicate flavor and pleasant texture to your dishes. In summary, olive oil is a healthy and versatile ingredient that can be used in many ways in the kitchen, while providing numerous health benefits.
Sunflower oil is a vegetable oil produced from sunflower seeds. This oil is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which have been linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, especially when replacing saturated fatty acids in the diet. Sunflower oil is also a source of vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant for skin and eye health. In addition to its nutritional richness, this oil is ideal for frying thanks to its high resistance to heat.
coconut oil is a vegetable oil extracted from coconut pulp. It is considered a healthy oil because it contains medium-chain saturated fatty acids, which are more easily absorbed and used by the body than long-chain fatty acids. In addition to being used in cooking for high temperature cooking, it is also used in cosmetics for its moisturizing and nourishing properties for skin and hair. Also, coconut oil can be used for weight loss as it can boost metabolism and reduce appetite. In summary, coconut oil is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many areas, from cooking to beauty to health.
Palm oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the fruit of the oil palm. It is rich in saturated fatty acids and is often used in the food industry for the manufacture of processed products. However, it is not recommended for use in cooking, as its production is often responsible for deforestation and the destruction of the natural habitat of many animal species.
Selection criteria
To choose the right cooking oil, it is important to take into account the following criteria:
The smoke point is the temperature at which the oil begins to degrade and emit toxic fumes. It is therefore important to choose an oil whose smoke point is adapted to the desired cooking. In general, vegetable oils have a lower smoke point than animal oils.
Each oil has a different taste. It is therefore important to choose an oil whose taste is suitable for the preparation envisaged. Olive oil is ideal for savory preparations, while coconut oil is often used in sweet preparations.
It is important to choose a quality oil to avoid refined oils which are often less nutritious. Organic and cold-pressed oils are often of higher quality and contain more nutrients.
It is also important to take into account origin of oil Cooking. Locally produced oils often have a lower carbon footprint and are fresher than oils imported from the other side of the world.
Nutritional properties
Finally, it is important to take into account thenutritional properties chosen cooking oil. Some oils are higher in unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins or antioxidants than others.