5 cooking oils that should feature in your pantry

I grew up in the 80's, when a typical lunch looked like a devon and cheese sandwich on fluffy white Wonder bread, when we unashamedly slathered margarine on our toast, and when every pantry boasted an industrial sized bottle of vegetable oil. 

Thank goodness that trends in food and nutrition have led us away from the widely accepted, and seriously unhealthy, trans fats of my youth, and enlightened us with an abundance of healthier oil choices. 

When it comes to cooking oil today, there are dozens of versatile, tasty, and healthy options that leave unhealthy oils trailing far behind, back in the 80's, where they belong. Here's the scoop on some exciting oils that we offer here at Fresh Box. 

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is an excellent choice for sauteing up your favourite veggies for a stir fry, because of it's high smoking point. This light and fruity oil is also perfect for using as a base for your favourite vinaigrette. Avocado oil contains high amounts of a fatty acid called Oleic acid, and is believed to decrease cholesterol and lower blood pressure.This heart-healthy oil is also loaded with antioxidants, including Lutein, which is great for overall eye health.

Macadamia Oil

With an even higher smoking point than olive oil, Macadamia oil is also a good choice for sauteing or grilling. Macadamia oil is heart healthy, and loaded with cholesterol reducing monounsaturated fats. This under appreciated oil also a good source of antioxidants and vitamin E. Give it a try for it's mild flavour, versatility, and serious health benefits! 

Pumpkin Seed Oil

This oil is especially exciting to me. I'm already a big fan of all that pumpkin brings to the table. How could I have gone so long without adding pumpkin seed oil to my pantry? Pumpkin oil is full of beneficial vitamins, and has been shown to promote hair growth, boost mood, and increase heart health. Pumpkin seed oil brings a depth of flavour to homemade salad dressings, with it's nuttiness, and is a nice finishing oil for roasted veggies or your favourite pasta dish. 

Sunflower Oil

With it's mild flavour and extremely high smoking point, Sunflower oil is among the most versatile of oils, great for sauteing, baking, and even deep frying. Sunflower oil is positively bursting with healthy fatty acids, including: palmitic, stearic, linoleic, oleic, lecithin, carotenoids, and selenium. Sunflower oil can also prevent infections, reduce inflammation, and boost energy levels. As beneficial as sunflower oil can be, it should be used in moderation, as it may lead to an imbalance in fatty acids, being high in omega-6 it is best to partner it with foods high in omega-3 like, Eggs, Seaweed and Fish in particular Sardines. 

Sesame Oil

Sesame oil may reduce inflammation, improve heart health, and help control blood sugar. Not a bad days work for the tiny sesame seed! Mild and nutty, sesame oil is perfect for adding authentic Asian flavour to your meals. It's great in a dressings, drizzled over noodles, or in a marinade. 

So do yourself, your heart, your health, and your taste buds a favour, and ditch the boring oils of yesterday, and add one, (or all), of these versatile and healthy oils to your pantry instead. 

Sources: simplyhealth.io, bonappetit.com, medicalnewstoday.com, healthline.com, igourmet.com, organicfacts.net, healthline.com

Photo Source: self.com