It’s Fry Time, Guys! (Part II)

Continuing with the information on the healthiness of the cooking oils as shared by Nutritionist Shilpa Mittal, we are posting the It’s Fry Time, Guys! (Part II):

It’s Fry Time, Guys! (Part II):

Sunflower seed oil:
Sunflower oil is the non-volatile oil pressed from the seeds of the sunflower. Sunflower oil is a monounsaturated (MUFA)/polyunsaturated (PUFA) mixture of mostly oleic acid (omega-9)-linoleic acid (omega-6) group of oils. Sunflower seed oil is very high in omega-6 fatty acids. In some cases, the omega-6 content is as high as 70 percent. Sunflower oil is rich in Vitamin E, which helps in cancer prevention. It is low in saturated fat. Besides, it is rich in certain phytochemicals like choline and phenolic acid which are beneficial for the heart. High oleic sunflower oils contain 80% or more monounsaturated fats. Thus, sunflower oil helps in lowering cardiovascular diseases and a chance of heart attack. Sunflower oil also contains lecithin which helps in lowering cholesterol level. It has a high smoking point.
Bad effects
Sunflower oil may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae plant family. Scientists have hypothesized that a diet high in omega-6s but low in omega-3s increases inflammation. A diet that is high in sunflower oil seems to increase fasting insulin and blood sugar levels. It also seems to increase after-meal blood fats. This might increase the chance of developing “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis) in people with type 2 diabetes.

Safflower seed oil:
Safflower oil is oil made from safflower seeds. It contains Conjugated linoleic acid, referred to as CLA, is a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid that is often used as a weight loss supplement. The linoleic acid found in the Safflower oil is known to regulate the prostaglandins. (a class of unsaturated fatty acids that are involved in the contraction of smooth muscle, the control of inflammation and body temperature and many other physiological functions.)
Safflower oil contains high levels of polyunsaturated fats, notably linoleic acid. According to the American Heart Association, polyunsaturated fats can lower your risk of heart disease
Safflower’s oil’s high smoke point means that it is a good oil to use for deep-frying.
Bad effects
Safflower oil may trigger an allergic reaction in those with sensitivity to daisies because it is part of the same family of flowers. An existing ragweed allergy could also mean you will have a sensitivity to safflower oil. Sometimes low BP, Diarrhea, stomach cramps and vomiting may occur in patients using safflower every day but this is rare.
Olive oil:
Olive oil is a fat obtained from the fruit of the Olea europaea (olive tree), a traditional tree crop of the Mediterranean region. Whole olives are pressed to produce this distinctive oil. Olive oil is profuse with monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), a healthy fat that helps battle heart disease, cholesterol and even blood sugar. Experts suggest that it is higher in MUFAs – good for heart health and helps increase good cholesterol HDL. It is good for hair and skin, as well.
Bad effects
It’s important to note that olive oil is not recommended for cooking — it should only be used cold, usually drizzled on salads and other foods. Extra-virgin olive oil’s chemical structure and its large amount of unsaturated fats make it very susceptible to oxidative damage when used for cooking.
Sesame seed oil:
Sesame oil is an edible vegetable oil derived from sesame seeds. “Sesame oil has a nutty taste and is readily used in Chinese and Korean cooking, as well some South Indian dishes,”
Sesame oil contains high levels of natural antioxidants called sesamol, sesamolin and sesamin oils. Sesamin is a lignin with anti-inflammatory properties and contains vitamin E, which helps keep your skin strong and supple, due to high antioxidant content, it does not get rancid fast.
Sesame oil is rich in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, and low in saturated fats,”
This oil helps treat the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis, lowers blood pressure, fights stress and depression, helps in improving oral health, maintains good skin health, acts as a natural anti-inflammatory agent, detoxifies skin, has innate anti-cancerous properties, helps in improving eye health. Light sesame oil has a high smoke point and is suitable for deep-frying, while dark sesame oil (from roasted sesame seeds) has a slightly lower smoke point and is unsuitable for deep-frying.
Bad effects
As with numerous seed and nut foods, sesame oil may produce an allergic reaction, although the incidence of this effect is rare. Reports of sesame allergy are growing in developed countries during the 21st century, with the allergic mechanism from oil exposure expressed as contact dermatitis, possibly resulting from hypersensitivity to lignin-like compounds.
To be continued…