Given all of the research that is coming out about the dangers of trans-fats (hydrogenated oils) and their link to chronic disease many people are reconsidering which oils they use in their cooking. Olive oil is one healthy option that many people are turning to. However what many people don't realise is that whilst olive oil is very healthy when you are not heating the food it can be damaged by heat. In fact, when heated olive oil produces chemicals that have been linked to breast cancer and heart disease.
So what is left?
Well as it turns out one of the healthiest oils to cook with in coconut oil. Coconut oil was previously assumed to be unhealthy due to the high levels of saturated fats however we now realise that saturated fat is not the evil it was made out to be and is certainly healthier than trans-fats. These saturated fats make coconut oil much less susceptible to damage when it is heated.
So anytime you need an oil to cook with, coconut oil can replace butter, margarine, olive oil or any other type of oil in your recipes. Of course organic coconut oils are the best as they have not been refined, bleached or deodorised.
What oils do you cook with?
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written by Miss Psychette, February 26, 2009
