How to Choose a Healthy Cooking Oil for Your Family?
Many people have the perception that oil and fat are unhealthy and should be avoided as much as possible in our daily meals. The truth is, oil and fat are essential for maintaining normal body functions. Our body needs good oil and fat daily to provide energy, support cell metabolism, brain lubrication, maintain body temperature and produce hormones, etc. Below are some criteria to help you select a healthy oil.
- Good oils should contain Omega-3, 6 and 9
Saturated fat will burden our cardiovascular system while unsaturated fat is beneficial to our body. The best unsaturated fatty acid is the "Omega" series. Omega fatty acids can be subdivided into Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9, all of which have different benefits. The best ratio of Omega-3 to Omega-6 in an oil is 2:1
- Omega-3: Reduces excessive inflammation, improves the health of cell membrane, increases insulin sensitivity, reduces bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels and it contains DHA, which promotes brain development and brain health.
- Omega-6: Protects cell structure, improves immune response (inflammation) and blood clotting. However, excessive intake of omega-6 may lead to inflammation in the body and other health issues.
- Omega-9: This is a relatively neutral fatty acid. However, it is beneficial in supporting healthy lipid levels, boost anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- High smoke point
The smoke point of an oil is the temperature at which the oil begins to produce smoke when overheated. Cooking above the smoke pointing is not ideal as it causes the oil to oxidise, which in turn produces free radicals and toxic fumes that are harmful to our body. Therefore it is important to choose a cooking oil with a high smoke point above 230°C, especially if you are using it for deep-frying or grilling.
- Unrefined oils
Most of the common refined oils in the market are produced using refining processes which employs high heat or chemical extraction. Some of these processes may also include bleaching or deodorising, this could result in chemical residues being left behind in the end product, which is not good to the body. Unrefined oils employ cold press techniques with no heat or chemicals used in the oil extraction process, hence the nutrition of the oil is retained.
The Healthiest Cooking Oil - LABO Nutrition Camelina Oil
LABO Nutrition Camelina Oil is 100% unrefined, cold pressed and has a high smoke point of 245°C, suitable for all types of cooking including grilling and deep-frying. It is a treasure trove of nutrients, containing essential Omega-3 (about 38%) and Omega-6 fatty acid, at an ideal ratio of 2:1. As excessive amounts of omega-6 content promotes inflammatory response in the body and may lead to health problems such as arthritis and heart disease, the omega-6 content of Camelina Oil is at a healthy level. It also contains Omega-9 and plant sterols, making it the healthiest culinary oil available in the market.
- 100% Unrefined Cold Press
- Extracted using unique mechanical cold pressing process, free of chemicals or toxins, preserving the natural qualities and nutrients of the oil.
- Ideal ratio of Omega-3 to Omega-6 (2:1)
- Contains the ideal ratio of 2:1 Omega-3 to Omega-6.
- Rich in Omega 3-6-9, Vitamin E & Plant Sterols
- Rich in nutrients such as polyunsaturated fat (Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids), monounsaturated fat (Omega-9 fatty acid), Vitamin E and Plant Sterols.
- High Heat Tolerance
- High smoke point of 245°C, higher than most cooking oils, making it the perfect oil for high heat cooking such as deep-frying, baking and barbecuing.
- Trans Fat Free
- Contains a healthy fat composition of high essential fatty acids and low saturated fat and it does not contain trans-fat.
