CAN I USE OLIVE OIL FOR COOKING?
I’ve heard of the benefits of olive oil. Can I use it for cooking?
AUsing olive oil or refined vegetable oils for cooking or frying is one of the worst things you can do for your heart. All of these oils have a low smoking point. Smoking point is the point at which the bonds in the fat molecule change/oxidise and convert to trans fat. Trans fat goes unrecognisable by your liver and causes issues with your heart and concerns like fatty liver. Trans fat is what causes a disruption of your lipid profile. The best way to use olive oil, even if it’s extra virgin, is on salads where it is not subjected to heat. Vegetable oils on the other hand have absolutely no nutritional value to offer and the consumption should be stopped.
Refrying in vegetable oils is one of the worst habits we have been following for years. The mediums that are great for cooking are coconut oil, ghee, butter or avocado oil, all of which have a high smoking point. Frying foods in these oils is safe for the heart. If you consume too many carbs fried in this manner, for instance, french fries and banana chips, it can affect your heart since it can lead to high triglyceride levels but the nutritional profile is still better than when they are fried in vegetable oils or olive oil.
Lastly, frying proteins like fish or chicken without the batter in these oils is absolute safe for consumption. Just make sure you do not eat more carbohydrates than your body needs in the whole day to protect your liver, heart and your waistline.