Published By: Sayan Paul

5 healthier alternatives to vegetable oil

Contrary to the popular belief, vegetable oil is not good for your health at all.

There's evidence that consuming it excessively can contribute to a number of diseases.

So, it's better to look for some healthier alternatives for cooking your regular dishes.

As the name suggests, vegetable oil is any oil that is derived from plants - such as canola oil, corn oil, soybeans oil, sunflower oil, and more. While it's considered healthy and makes for a popular ingredient in various dishes, the scientific researches suggest something else that you should be aware of! As these oils are obtained through various processes (some of which include the use of chemicals), it's a no-brainer that regular intake may lead you to many diseases in no time. Also, they are loaded with polyunsaturated fats - which are extremely bad for your health.

Without further ado, let's have a look at some of the healthier alternatives to vegetable oil.

Coconut Oil: Rich in a Nutty Flavor

Coconut oil is packed with vitamins as well as minerals that may provide your health with numerous benefits. Also, it contains healthy saturated fats along with naturally occurring antifungal, antibiotic, and antibacterial properties. It can be used to bake, fry, or even prepare vegetable curries.

Olive Oil: Good for Your Heart Health

Rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, olive oil can benefit your heart health to a great extent. Also, it contains a high number of antioxidant, antibacterial, as well as anti-inflammatory properties that reduce your risk of several health issues. Go for extra virgin olive oil to get the maximum benefits.

Flaxseed Oil: Mostly Used as Salad Dressings

Flaxseed oil is extracted from the dried and ripened seeds of the flax plants. The laxative effects that it possesses are highly beneficial to treat some digestion-related issues. It also contains a good amount of linoleic as well as alpha-linolenic acids. Besides salad dressings, it can also be used as marinades as well.

Avocado Oil: Abound in Healthy Fats

Thanks to the high smoke point, avocado oil is ideal for grilling, frying, or stir-frying. The oil is unrefined, rich in buttery flavor, and extracted from the pulp of avocado fruits. It's loaded with monounsaturated fatty acids that may reduce inflammation in your body. Besides, it also boasts a good amount of lutein, vitamin E, oleic acid, phytosterols, carotenoids, etc.

Sesame Oil: A Powerhouse of Antioxidants

Sesame oil boasts a distinctive nutty flavor, making it an ideal ingredient in stir-fried foods. The oil is loaded with antioxidants that help fight free radicals in your body. It also contains lignans, sesamol,vitamin E, phytosterols, etc. Regular consumption of this oil is good for your heart, skin, hair, sleep, bones, mood, and more.

The list also includes Butter, Hemp Oil, Almond Oil, Hempseed Oil, Grape Seed Oil, etc.