Good or Bad Oils: How to Maintain Healthy Cholesterol Levels

When you pass through the cooking oils aisle in a supermarket, you might be confused by the choices available. One general thing most people watch out for is the label that indicates cholesterol-free, which invariably means it must be healthy. Is that all you should look out for? 

However, cholesterol-free should not be the only thing on your checklist regarding getting healthy cooking oil. Choosing a healthy cooking oil shouldn’t be something to crack your brain over. Therefore, here are some differences between good and bad oils and how to make the most suitable selection.

What Are the Good Oils?

Oils that positively benefit your heart are considered good oils. These include olive oil, avocado oil, palm oil, flaxseed oil, cod liver oil, etc., and are known as unsaturated oils. Although these oils are healthy and contain omega-3 fatty acids, some factors are considered before using these oils for cooking. This is because of how these oils are produced and the fact that they can be very unstable under high temperatures. 

Which Oils Are Considered Harmful?

Some oils are considered bad or unhealthy based on how they are produced and what they contain. These oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids and are highly processed. High intake of omega-6 fatty acids increases the risk of developing high blood pressure in people with diabetes coupled with increased inflammation. Examples of these oils include soy oil, corn oil, canola oil, margarine, etc.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Oil for Cooking

Some factors to consider before selecting a cooking oil include

• Cooking method: This is a critical factor to consider because some oils, although perceived as healthy, might not be suitable for a particular cooking method. For instance, unsaturated or good oils, are generally known as the healthiest form of oil. However, these oils are unstable and oxidize quickly when heated. Thus, these oils, including olive oil, flaxseed oil, canola, cottonseed, corn oil, etc., shouldn’t be used for deep frying. Furthermore, using these oils for deep frying can create a compound called advanced lipid oxidation end products (ALOEPs). These ALOEPs are pathogenic factors that can trigger the onset of a variety of chronic diseases. 
• Price: Unrefined oils such as extra virgin olive oil and avocado oil are generally more expensive than refined oils like vegetable oil. Therefore, choose the one that falls in your price range and limit the use to finishing oils, salad dressings, and shallow frying.

How to Maintain Healthy Cholesterol Levels

Eating healthy is an investment that pays off in the long run. Therefore, adopting healthy food choices reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and other health conditions. Therefore, to maintain healthy cholesterol levels;

• Avoid reusing cooking oil: This can be challenging, especially if a large amount was used initially. The dangers of reusing cooking oil include increased LDL cholesterol levels, increased acidity, the production of free radicals, which increases oxidative stress, etc. That burning sensation you sometimes feel after buying fried food from street vendors is due to increased acidity in the oil when reused.
• Invest in an air fryer: This is a healthier option for deep frying. It conserves the flavor in food and helps control your intake of saturated oils and the development of digestive issues.
• Use a healthy cholesterol-maintaining supplement: Whether you’re looking to reduce bad cholesterol levels or maintain healthy cholesterol levels, NATURE’SFIELD CHOLESDEFENCE is recommended. Regulating your cholesterol levels is essential to avoid triggering life-threatening heart diseases.

Cholesterol is essential for many functions as it is produced by your body. However, elevated cholesterol levels can be dangerous to your health. What you eat has the most impact on your cholesterol levels and overall well-being. Therefore, incorporate CHOLESDEFENCE, move more, and make healthy choices tailored towards living a healthier life.