Before we get into this, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with olive oil. In fact, it’s one of the healthiest cooking oils out there, but we use it a lot. It can get a bit boring using the same oil over and over again, so here are a few alternatives that are just as healthy – if not healthier:
Avocado Oil
The humble avocado is tasty when smashed up and spread on toast, but its oil can also be used when cooking. It has a mild flavor and is very low in polyunsaturated fats, making it great at lowering cholesterol and helping your heart stay healthy. It’s also very rich in oleic acid, which is one of the healthiest fats for the human body. As a bonus, avocado oil also contains an antioxidant for the eyes, promoting eye health and reducing the risk of common problems – like cataracts.
Peanut Oil
Peanut oil is a wonderful alternative to olive oil when you’re making different Asian dishes. It works wonders in a stir fry, providing a subtle nutty kick that adds to the meal. From a health perspective, it is high in omega-3 and very rich in vitamin E. This vitamin is essential for strengthening the body’s natural immune system and maintaining healthy skin and eyes. One glug of peanut oil can give you close to 10% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin E, which is amazing!
Hemp Oil
Hemp oil – or hemp seed oil – is something that might raise eyebrows amongst many of you. Yes, it is produced from the cannabis plant, but it won’t get you high at all. Nor is it the same as CBD oil. The main CBD oil and hemp seed oil difference is that hemp seed oil contains no CBD. Therefore, it is better used for cooking, and it can deliver a range of health benefits. This includes lower blood pressure – thanks to the high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids – and promoting heart health.
Sesame Oil
Made from sesame seeds, this oil contains both sesamin and sesamol. You’ve probably never heard of these before, so let me explain. Sesamin and sesamol are very powerful antioxidants, meaning they can help your body fight back against toxins that cause serious diseases. Alongside this, sesame oil could help lower blood pressure and maintain control over blood sugar levels. Plus, there is research that suggests sesame oil has anti-inflammatory properties. So it can help reduce inflammation in your body, which is highly beneficial. Chronic inflammation could cause long-term medical conditions, so you want to reduce it.
All of these oils are healthy additions to your pantry. Again, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying some classic olive oil. It is also a very healthy oil, but it can be boring sometimes. If you want to switch things up and try something new, give these oils a go. They offer slightly different tastes and can work better in different meals. Hemp oil is great drizzled over salads, peanut and sesame oil work perfectly in stir-fries, and avocado oil is a wonderful all-rounder.
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