Oil can be an excellent addition to the family pantry, as it is versatile and adds flavour to food.
However, there are many different types of oils available, and each has its own benefits and ideal cooking environments. Most oils contain Omega-6 or Omega-3, which are unsaturated fats that enhance good cholesterol and fight bad cholesterol. However, some oils should not be heated as they have a low smoke point, and their health benefits can be eroded in the heating process.
Olive oil, flaxeed oil and walnut oil are not recommended for cooking with high heat as the oils can burn and this can turn the oil’s good fats into harmful trans fats. Instead, you can use these oils to make salad dressings. Some oils that are excellent for high temperature cooking, such as frying, grilling and barbecuing, are grapeseed, peanut, sesame, sunflower and rice-bran oil. These oils have high smoke points, and each can enhance the meal’s flavour. Canola oil is ideal for use in baking as the oil has a mild flavour and will not affect the taste of desserts and cakes.
