What oil should you be cooking with?

Comparing the big three: olive oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil

There has been a continuing debate over the different types of cooking oils and their various health benefits. Some believe that one type of oil is superior to another while others are unsure. Here are the health benefits of cooking with three different types of oils.

Olive Oil 

According to the blog FitDay, olive oil is considered to be one of the healthier options because of the nutrients it contains. FitDay says that the oil contains antioxidants, polyphenols, and omega-3 fatty acids, which can promote cardiovascular health and cognitive functioning while also boosting the immune system. According to the blog, olive oil can help mitigate type 2 diabetes by helping the body produce adiponectin, a protein hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. Olive oil even has anti-inflammatory properties and can benefit those with inflammatory diseases and injuries.

Avocado Oil

According to blogger Michael Kummer, avocado and olive oil have similar fatty acid compositions, with both being composed of over 70 per cent monounsaturated fat (a.k.a. the healthy fat). Kummer further explains that both oils have a relatively high smoke point, which means that they can be used for cooking and frying.Avocado oil appears to contain more vitamins, but misses out on the anti-inflammatory antioxidants found in olive oil.

Coconut Oil 

Blogger Kat Pander discusses the benefits of both oils: “Avocado and coconut oil are both great for providing numerous health benefits. They help with nutrient absorption, skin protection (including dry skin and acne), gum health, and joint pain.”

Pander continues by saying that coconut oil is naturally antibacterial so it is often used in many home remedies including for eye and gum infections. Coconut oil is also a great type of oil to use for oil pulling — which is like an extended-length mouthwash with oil — as it draws out the bad bacteria and acts as a natural detox. This helps with overall gum health and some even claim that it whitens their teeth. In addition to the above uses, avocado and coconut oils have also been used as natural makeup removers and skin care products, although it seems that everybody has a different reaction to the oils.From cooking to skin care treatments, all of these oils are useful in their own way, depending on one’s preferences and reactions to each.

Photo by Alora Griffiths/The Ontarion