Once you’ve stocked up on healthy cooking oils, learn how to use them. In this Mayo Clinic Minute, Angie Murad, M.P.H, a dietitian with the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program, explains how to incorporate the oils in your recipes in healthful ways.
“So both canola and olive oil are very versatile,” says Murad. “They are great to use in many different recipes – even in baking.”
Murad says using these unsaturated oils in place of saturated fats can help reduce the incidence of chronic conditions, such as Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
“Plant and seed oils have mono and polyunsaturated fats,” explains Murad.
She says these fats help increase good cholesterol – the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. They also help lower the bad cholesterol – the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
Murad says seed oils like peanut and sesame have stronger flavor and higher smoke points, so they’re great in marinades and stir-fries. Walnut oil’s lower smoke point makes it better for dressings. Just remember: All oils are high in calories.
“So you just want to use them in moderation,” adds Murad.
She says stocking your kitchen with nonstick cookware and an oil sprayer can reduce the amount of oil you’ll need to use in each dish.
This article originally appeared on Mayo Clinic News Network.
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