The king of all edible oils is extra virgin olive oil with the most health benefits. Olive oil is high in phenolic antioxidants, a powerful antioxidant which is the main reason why olive oil is so beneficial.
The health benefits of olive oil are extensive, including:
– Olive oil decreases the risk of breast cancer and its recurrence.
– It lowers the levels of total blood cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides.
– It helps decrease high blood pressure.
– It helps lower “bad” low-density lipoproteins and improves blood sugar control, also enhances insulin sensitivity.
– Olive oil is high in calories, but it helps reduce levels of obesity.
– Olive oil fights rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis.
– It helps prevent strokes and keeps your heart young.
– Olive oil helps prevent skin cancer.
– Olive oil has emotional health benefits, it may help protect you from depression.
How to use: It is recommended to take at least 2 tablespoons of extra virgin every day to enjoy the beneficial olive oil to your overall health and well being in many ways.
Besides the healthiest fat on earth, there are 4 more edible oils with many health benefits.
Sesame Oil
The seed-extracted oil helps prevent diabetes and cancer. It is also good for your oral health, it reduces dental plaque. Sesame oil provides healthy skin, it can even help prevent sunburn. The high zinc content helps produce collagen, which gives your skin more elasticity and helping repair damaged body tissues. Its unique antioxidants, called lignans, which may help control blood sugar and lower “bad” LDL cholesterol.
How to use: Add 1 tablespoon of unrefined sesame oil while cooking, 3-4 times a week. To prevent build up dental plaque, rinse your mouth with sesame oil for about 10 minutes. If your skin is sun damaged, rub some sesame oil on your skin, but remember never use it as SPF factor.
Avocado Oil
Avocado oil with its composition and health benefits is closely resembling olive oil. Avocado oil reduces the risk of coronary heart disease. Avocado oil, when eaten, acts like a small dose of natural ibuprofen, which helps fight joint conditions. It is also packed with anti-inflammatory monounsaturated fatty acids, that combat free radicals and promotes healthy and soft skin.
How to use: The avocado oil is edible, but also very expensive, so as another alternative, eat whole avocado. Applying a cold-pressed avocado oil on your skin, it is very effective, especially as a dry skin moisturizer.
Walnut Oil
Walnut oil is rich vitamins B1, B2, and B3, coupled with vitamin, phytonutrients and fatty acids which can contribute to enhancing the texture and quality of the skin. Also, walnut oil has anti-aging properties. Walnut oil, like fish oil, is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Its particular kind of fatty acid, alpha linolenic acid (ALA), serves as a building place for the healthy fats and help regulate your immune and nervous systems. Walnut oil may also help keep your stress levels and blood pressure in check, also protects your heart.
How to use: Don`t use walnut oil in cooking with heat, because it may eliminate its health properties, so always use it cold. Drizzle 1-2 tablespoons of cold-pressed walnut oil over your veggies, pasta, or greens salad. Walnut oil, along with sesame oil, should be stored in the fridge.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil’s power comes from lauric acid and saturated fatty acids called medium-chain triglycerides that can improve blood cholesterol levels and may lower your risk of heart disease. Also it can improve digestion and reduce belly fat. The content of fatty acids in coconut oil is turned into ketones, which can reduce seizures. Some doctors believe that lauric acid makes the coconut oil an effective oral rinse. Coconut oil improves your skin and hair health.
Find out more about coconut oil benefits: The amazing benefits of coconut oil
How to use: Swallow 2-3 tablespoons of coconut oil per day. When cooking it, always use refined coconut oil, or add expeller pressed virgin coconut oil in your breakfast smoothies.