Cooking Oils, Yay or Nay? We Break It All Down

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Standing in the grocery store aisle, faced with a myriad of cooking oils, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. With options like olive, avocado, coconut, and vegetable oils, choosing the right one can be a challenge.



So, are cooking oils good or bad for you? We've got you covered. From olive and avocado to coconut and vegetable oils, we'll help you navigate the best choices for your health, making cooking easy and keeping you feeling great.




cooking oils


Not All Oils Are Created Equal



Each oil has its own unique properties. While extra virgin olive oil is perfect for salads, it may not be the best choice for high-heat cooking like stir-frying.



The stability of cooking oils depends on their fatty acid composition, affecting how they react to heat. Oils with monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids are more stable when heated, reducing the risk of oxidation and cell damage," explains Tami Best, MS, RDN, IFNCP, a functional and integrative dietitian.



Heating oils beyond their smoke point can lead to the release of compounds that may irritate your gut and cause bloating, so it's important to choose the right oil for the right cooking method.



Your Go-To Oil Guide



Here's a breakdown of the best oils for different cooking methods:



High-Heat Cooking (stir-frying, searing, frying):




  • Avocado oil (smoke point: 520°F) – ideal for high-heat cooking

  • Refined coconut oil (smoke point: 450°F)

  • Ghee (clarified butter, smoke point: 485°F)



Medium-Heat Cooking (baking, light sautéing):




  • Light olive oil (smoke point: 465°F)

  • Grapeseed oil (smoke point: 420°F)



Low-Heat or No-Heat (dressings, drizzling):




  • Extra virgin olive oil (smoke point: 325-375°F)

  • Flaxseed oil (smoke point: 225°F)

  • Walnut oil (smoke point: 320°F)



When Oils Make Your Gut Say “No Thanks”



If you experience bloating after consuming fried foods, your cooking oil might be the culprit. Heating oils beyond their smoke point or reusing them multiple times can create compounds that are hard for your digestive system to handle.



To combat this, consider using Flatter Me, a digestive enzyme supplement that aids in breaking down fats and other food components, reducing bloating and discomfort.



FAQs



Are “seed oils” bad?



Seed oils like sunflower and safflower have their place in cooking, but they are better suited for moderate-heat applications rather than high-heat cooking.



Can I reuse cooking oil?



Avoid reusing oils multiple times as each heating cycle can degrade the oil and create compounds that may cause digestive discomfort.



Is olive oil really the healthiest option?



Extra virgin olive oil offers health benefits due to its antioxidants and monounsaturated fats, but it is best used for lower-heat cooking or as a finishing oil.



Will changing my cooking oils help with bloating?



Using the right oil for the right temperature can help, but for additional support, consider a digestive enzyme supplement like Flatter Me to aid in digestion and reduce bloating.



Should I toss all my vegetable oils?



While you don't need to discard all vegetable oils, be mindful of how you use them. Save heat-stable oils for cooking and delicate oils for finishing dishes.



Conclusion: The Takeaway on Cooking Oils



Choosing the right oil for your cooking method is key to maintaining a happy gut. Match your oils to the cooking temperature, avoid reusing oils, and consider using a digestive enzyme supplement like Flatter Me to aid in digestion and prevent bloating. Your gut will thank you, and bloating will become a thing of the past!



Disclaimer:



Clinically tested to reduce bloating by up to 2 inches and debloat in 30 minutes! On average, participants experienced ½ inch less bloating based on a placebo-controlled study.



All Hum Nutrition products are free from harmful additives, emphasizing the importance of what's not in your supplements as much as what is.


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