Why Avocado Oil is the Healthier Choice for Cooking and How to Choose the Best Brand
Discover the healthier alternative to common seed oils like vegetable, canola, soybean, corn, and peanut oil that many of us use daily.
HEALTHY EATING ESSENTIALS
6 min read
Introduction
In kitchens around the world, cooking oil is a ubiquitous ingredient used daily to prepare meals. However, the majority of oils found in your grocery aisle fall under the category of seed oils, including vegetable, canola, soybean, corn, and peanut oil. To my surprise, vegetable oil does not in fact contain vegetables. Misleading huh? Recent research highlights the negative impacts these seed oils can have on the body, prompting my family on the search for healthier alternatives. Avocado oil emerges as a compelling choice, boasting numerous benefits that make it an excellent option for a variety of culinary applications.
The Disadvantages of Seed Oils: Vegetable, Canola & Soybean Oil
Before we can appreciate the benefits of opting for avocado oil over the ever-popular vegetable oil, let's first explore what vegetable oil is.
Indeed, the term "vegetable oil" can be misleading, as it doesn't actually come from vegetables in the way we commonly think of them, like broccoli or carrots. Instead, vegetable oil is a broad category that encompasses oils derived from plant sources such as seeds, nuts, or grains. The term "vegetable oil" is more of a generic designation for plant-based oils.
Common sources of vegetable oil include soybeans, corn, sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, canola (rapeseed), and cottonseed. These oils are extracted from the seeds or fruits of these plants through various processes such as pressing or using solvents. It is these processes that make consuming seed oils unhealthy, not the oils or seeds themselves. Here's why:
1) High Heat and Chemicals: Many vegetable oils undergo refining processes that involve exposure to high heat and chemicals. This refining can lead to the loss of natural nutrients and antioxidants present in the raw oil. Additionally, the high temperatures and chemical treatments may contribute to the formation of harmful compounds and oxidative stress.
2) Extraction Methods: Some vegetable oils are extracted using solvents, such as hexane. Residues of these solvents may remain in the final product, posing potential health concerns. Cold-pressed or expeller-pressed methods are considered gentler alternatives that avoid the use of solvents.
3) Oxidation during Processing: The processing of vegetable oils can expose them to oxygen, promoting oxidation. Oxidation can lead to the formation of free radicals, which are reactive molecules that can contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.
4) Imbalance of Fatty Acids: Vegetable oils, particularly those high in omega-6 fatty acids, can contribute to an imbalance in the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in the diet. An excessive intake of omega-6 fatty acids, without a corresponding balance of omega-3s, has been associated with inflammatory processes and various chronic diseases.
5) Genetic Modification: Many vegetable oils, such as soybean and corn oil, are derived from genetically modified (GM) crops. While the safety of consuming GM crops is a topic of ongoing research, some people prefer to avoid genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in their diet.
In a nutshell, extracting seed oils through less-than-healthy methods is both cost-effective and churns out an overabundance, making them the perfect match for our American food supply – because who said cheap and excessive couldn't be the life of the culinary party? Regrettably, seed oils seem to be present in virtually every type of food. When I first tried to eliminate seed oils from my diet, I was shocked at the vast usage. Seed oils are in cereals, breads, any frozen foods, quick & easy snacks like potato chips or granola bars, they are even in your ketchup, mayonnaise or barbeque sauce,
For individuals seeking healthier oil options, consider oils with a higher content of monounsaturated fats, like olive oil or avocado oil. These oils have been linked to various health benefits and are often considered more suitable for certain cooking applications. I personally have made the switch to avocado oil.
The Advantages of Avocado Oil
Avocado oil takes the culinary spotlight with a flair, boasting features that make it the superhero of cooking oils. Picture this: a high smoke point, ranging from 375°F to 520°F (190°C to 270°C), showcasing its ability to handle the heat like a seasoned chef. It's the go-to sidekick for frying, sautéing, grilling, and roasting, maintaining its cool without puffing out harmful smoke signals.
But the adventure doesn't end there – the mild and neutral flavor of avocado oil is like the chameleon of the culinary world, seamlessly blending with both savory and sweet dishes. Packed with antioxidants, including the mighty vitamin E, this oil becomes the superhero shield against oxidative villains, potentially bringing anti-inflammatory benefits and championing radiant skin, luscious locks, and unbreakable nails. And wait, there's more! Avocado oil plays the sidekick role in enhancing the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, ensuring your nutrient intake gets a power boost.
From salad dressings to marinades, avocado oil's culinary prowess knows no bounds – it's the hero that completes your dishes with a drizzling finale. Its extended shelf life, powered by robust monounsaturated fats, makes it the reliable pantry guardian, standing strong in a cool, dark space. In a nutshell, avocado oil isn't just a cooking choice; it's the versatile, health-conscious, and stable superhero that elevates your culinary escapades to legendary heights.
So, not only is avocado oil packed full of nutrients, it also shields you from some of the unhealthy components if you were to opt for vegetable oil or canola oil.
Selecting the Right Avocado Oil
When deciding what brand of Avocado oil you want, you need to be careful. A study conducted by the University of California, Davis, discovered that a startling 82% of the avocado oil samples tested in the United States were either rancid or combined with other oils. This shows the concerning quality issues within the avocado oil market, indicating that many products do not meet the expected standards for purity and freshness. As a consumer, you need to be aware of what avocado oil you can trust. To ensure you receive a product of genuine quality and authenticity.
Chosen Foods is a renowned producer of avocado oil, and what sets them apart is their commitment to quality and variety. Their avocado oil is cold-pressed, ensuring that it retains its rich flavor and nutritional benefits without the use of heat or chemicals. The brand offers a diverse selection of avocado oil products, including plain avocado oil and enticing flavored options like garlic-infused and chili-lime avocado oils, adding a unique twist to your culinary creations. Chosen Foods Avocado Oil has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality avocado oil, appreciated for its mild, neutral flavor and remarkable versatility in cooking applications.
For those who prefer organic options, Chosen Foods also offers organic avocado oil, sourced from avocados grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. Furthermore, their commitment to product integrity is evident in their packaging, as they use dark glass bottles to shield the oil from light exposure, preserving its freshness. With certifications like "Non-GMO Project Verified" and "Certified Gluten-Free," Chosen Foods ensures that their products meet rigorous quality standards.
Whether you're frying, sautéing, roasting, or creating salad dressings, Chosen Foods avocado oil, with its high smoke point, is a reliable companion in the kitchen.
Summary
In the quest for a healthier cooking oil alternative, avocado oil emerges as a standout choice due to its high smoke point, mild flavor, antioxidant content, and versatility in various culinary applications. Chosen Foods, with its commitment to quality and a diverse range of avocado oil products, provides consumers with a reliable option. Whether you're frying, sautéing, roasting, or creating salad dressings, Chosen Foods avocado oil proves to be a trustworthy companion in the kitchen, offering both health benefits and culinary excellence. Make the switch to avocado oil and elevate your cooking experience to new heights.
