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When browsing the aisles of the supermarket, you might notice all of the different options for cooking oils. It seems we have so many more choices these days. So much so that it can be difficult to know what to even get! Grapeseed oil, canola oil, olive oil, coconut oil. Even avocado oil! So, which ones are the best to cook with? Which ones should only be used to finish off a dish? Is it dangerous to heat some oils over others? We’ll answer all of these questions and more!

Olive Oil

Most people know there are two kinds of olive oil – regular and extra virgin. But did you know that one is better for cooking while the other is better for finishing? Regular olive oil is the better choice for cooking. You can use extra virgin, but the heat takes away from the naturally rich flavor. Instead, use extra virgin olive oil for finishing out dishes in order to get the most out of the flavor! There are some sources that say heating up olive oil in any form somehow turns it into a trans fat, but rest assured, that’s not true!

Coconut Oil

There’s been a lot of press surrounding coconut oil in the last few years. Two years ago, it seemed like coconut oil was all the rage, the newest health trend. Then, last year, a bunch of articles were published saying that coconut oil is basically the same as butter and that it’s full of saturated fats. While coconut oil does contain saturated fats, they are actually made up of good acids that help boost your good cholesterol and lower your bad cholesterol. Coconut oil has a very high smoke point, which means it’s great for cooking. If you’re looking for a dairy substitute, you can replace butter for coconut oil in a one to one ratio.

Vegitable & Canola Oil

Once upon a time, veggie and canola oil were great oils to use for cooking and deep-frying. However, due to different farming and processing techniques, these oils have zero health benefits, and in fact, are pretty bad for you. These oils used to contain good fats, but thanks to the new ways of processing, the good fats have been turned into trans fats, which are stored in your body and not easily digested. Case in point: Stay away from veggie and canola oil!

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is a great oil to cook with for several reasons. For starters, it’s a super heart-healthy option. Like coconut oil, it helps boost your good cholesterol and lowers your bad cholesterol. Another plus is that avocado oil is flavorless, so you can incorporate it into any recipe without worries of an odd flavor.

Find out more about different kinds of oils in the video below!

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