5 Cooking Oils That Can Be Severely Harmful For Your Health

The oils you use for cooking have a huge effect on your well-being. In order to keep yourself and your family fit and healthy, you must make smart cooking choices.

Some Vegetable oils are considered harmful for two key reasons: they are highly processed and are abundant in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA).

Many a times polyunsaturated fats are considered more beneficial than saturated fats since they have been proven to lower bad cholesterol in the body. But their exposure to chemicals during the process of refining makes them harmful.

When these oils go through the refining process, they lose vital nutrients including antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. PUFA accumulates in the body fat gradually, which may result in discomfort.

The initial aspect to take into account when using an oil for cooking is its smoke point. In simple terms, an oil’s smoke point is the point of temperature at which it transcends the limit of safety and starts producing smoke. When you heat an oil beyond its smoke point, it produces harmful free radicals that can damage cells and DNA in your body.

Here is a list of 5 cooking oils you should stay away from:

1. Corn oil

Corn oil encompasses certain beneficial compounds such as Vitamin E and phytosterols, but in general, it cannot be considered healthy. Corn oil is a highly processed oil that contains significant levels of inflammation-causing Omega-6 fatty acids, which are recommended to be reduced in a balanced diet. There are several healthier alternatives to corn oil, one of which is olive oil, which is derived from organic fatty olives and does not involve chemical processing.  

2. Canola oil

This oil is favored in many families due to the low levels of saturated fat and high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Nevertheless, during the process of production of this oil, it is exposed to extreme temperatures and chemicals, which may lead to the elimination of all its vital ingredients.

Some research studies show that canola oil’s substantial omega-6 fatty acid content can result in cardiovascular disorders and swelling, whereas other studies claim that it is safe to take it in moderation. Canola oil’s high smoke point makes it ideal for high-heat culinary procedures like frying. Some research studies show that canola oil’s substantial omega-6 fatty acid content can result in cardiovascular disorders and swelling, whereas other studies claim that it is safe to take it in moderation.

Canola oil’s high smoke point makes it ideal for high-heat culinary procedures like frying. However, the absence of essential components like antioxidants, which are believed to be extremely beneficial for health, makes them more undesirable than oils such as olive and avocado oil which contains high levels of antioxidants.

In addition, the significant amount of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids ratio in canola is worrying as an appropriate balance is essential for good health.

Also read: 7 Proven benefits of Skipping Regularly

3. Sunflower oil

Sunflower oil is a favored culinary and packaged food item since it is affordable and easily accessible. Sadly, sunflower oil contains inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids and is unsustainable when heated. Consumption of sunflower oil and other seed oils has been related to an elevated risk for obesity, cardiovascular disease, various forms of cancer, dementia, and chronic discomfort. Limiting the consumption of potentially hazardous omega-3 fatty acids by cutting out seed oils from your daily diet can be highly beneficial for your well-being.

4. Safflower oil

Safflower oil have several side effects such as, it can slow down blood clotting, hence individuals with blood-related conditions are advised not to use safflower oil while cooking. Safflower may also induce allergy responses in individuals who are allergic to the Asteraceae/Compositae genus. Safflower has also been attributed to increased blood sugar levels. Hence, people with diabetes are advised to use safflower oil carefully.   

5.Rice bran oil

Excessive consumption of rice bran oil could potentially be harmful to your health. Rice bran oil can lead to bloating, gas, and indigestion. Rice bran oil contains omega-6 fatty acids, which can elevate the possibility of cancer if consumed in substantial quantities. In addition, rice bran might contain dangerous substances such as arsenic, which can be harmful to an individual’s well-being if exposed for an extended period of time. This oil has also been shown to lower calcium levels in the blood, leading to calcium deficiencies.