Coconut, Avocado, Cocavo, Hemp Seed & Olive: Five of the best healthy oils
As we strive for optimum health and vitality in these “viral” times, the inclusion of dietary fats is often over-looked and mis-understood. Cooking Oil is just Cooking Oil, isn’t it?
Well, no, when it comes to maintaining good health, particularly as we age, including adequate amounts of the right kinds of fats and oils into our diets is vital to good health.
Did you know that the human brain is nearly 60 percent fat? We’ve learned in recent years that fatty acids are among the most crucial molecules that determine your brain’s integrity and ability to perform, so that big, powerful brain needs to be provided with certain types of fats (both saturated and unsaturated) throughout life to provide a balance for optimal performance of its cells.
Good fats provide the body with fuel alongside the feeling of fullness and can actually stimulate fat burning. This is the basis of many dietary lifestyles people are choosing to follow such as Keto & LCHF.
Studies continue to show the value in supplementing our diet with additional essential fats to prevent and treat a broad spectrum of diseases. As more and more research is conducted about the anti-viral properties of coconut oil, this once demonised oil is regaining it’s place as a healthy fat if consumed as part of a well-balanced diet.
There are literally dozens of different cooking oils out there trying to temp the consumer to purchase them with often misunderstood claims and promises. Distinguishing good fats from bad fats can be tricky, so we have put together our top five healthy fats and oils to help you choose wisely.
- Coconut Oil
Rightly earning its title as a ‘superfood’, coconut oil is consumed in large amounts by some of the healthiest populations around the world.
It is also brilliant for those looking to lose or maintain their weight.
The fatty acids in coconut oil have been shown to speed up overall metabolism, helping people expend more energy compared with long-chain fats.
It can also help with neurological disorders and can significantly benefit common skin issues.
It’s anti-viral properties are related to the metabolism of Lauric Acid by the body which converts it to monolaurin a well researched chemical by-product of coconut fat metabolism.
- Avocado Oil
Avocado oil has long been prized for its skin-boosting effects.
In addition to its nourishing, moisturising and protective fats, it also contains significant levels of antioxidants, such as Vitamin E, which help keep skin supple and smooth.
Avocado oil benefits heart health due to it’s content of oleic acid, a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid. Additionally, Avocado Oil promotes skin health and aids wound healing. Avocado oil has a particularly high smoke point so is well suited for high-heat cooking methods.
3. Cocavo Oils
A world first blend of 2 super-oils – Extra Virgin Coconut Oil & Extra Virgin Avocado Oil. Cocavo Oils bring the nutritional & cooking properties of both these super-oils in one convenient oil. If you are wanting to reduce the amount of saturated fat you are consuming, then Cocavo Oils are a good choice as they have about 17% less saturated fat than regular coconut.
You are getting the best of 2 super-oils in one convenient oil that has multiple culinary & nutritional properties.
4. Hemp Seed Oil
Named nature’s perfect food due to its balanced concentrations of omega fatty acids 3, 6 and 9.
Studies have shown it can help support heart health and promote proper cardiovascular faction.
It is also prized for its beneficial effect on hair, skin and nails, with people who regularly use and consume hemp oil reporting thicker and shinier hair, softer skin and stronger nails.
- Olive Oil
An integral part of the traditional ‘Mediterranean Diet’ which is associated with vitality, longevity and low incidence of chronic disease, olive oil is widely prized for its health-promoting properties.
It is particularly helpful in promoting optimal cardiovascular function, maintaining good blood flow and bettering cognitive function.
However, buy wisely as there is a lot of “Olive Oil” on the supermarket shelves that are either rancid or on the verge of going rancid.
