The “Healthy” Cooking Oil to Never Eat
Millions of people believe this oil is healthy when it may in fact be causing them harm. Are you one of them? Read on to find out…
If you found out there was a cooking oil that was low in saturated fat and improved your cholesterol profile, you’d probably consider it healthy. Furthermore, you’d start eating it with many of your foods. Not only that, you’d feel good about yourself since you’d be doing right by your body.
Now, what if you discovered that it was genetically modified and heavily processed. Why is it processed, you ask? Because in its natural form it’s toxic enough to kill you. So, tell me: with this additional information… would you still consider this a healthy food to eat?
Probably not. Unfortunately, millions of people don’t know the full story of such a cooking oil. Sadly, they continue to eat it in mass quantities and could be causing all sorts of harm to their system.
So, what is this supposedly “healthy” oil you should never eat?
Canola oil – one of the most controversial foods, ranking right up there with high fructose corn syrup. Proponents insist that it’s one of the best oils available, while detractors swear it’s death in a bottle.
Given that, let’s examine both sides of the argument…
For starters, what is canola oil? It’s an oil derived from the rapeseed – a part of the mustard family. Now, it’s interesting to note that rapeseed was banned by the FDA in 1956 because it was deemed too toxic for human consumption.
Because of this, Canadian growers (canola is one of Canada’s largest exports) bred a new type of rapeseed with much lower levels of erucic acid – the actual toxin. The end product is what is now known as canola oil.
It’s low in saturated fat and has an omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of 2:1. This is very good as it is an anti-inflammatory ratio. Furthermore, canola has been shown to reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. Based on this you’d assume that it’s good for your health. And many people make this assumption and eat it often.
But here’s something to consider…
In order for canola oil to be fit for human consumption it undergoes heavy processing. I’m not going to bore you with the details here. Suffice to say it’s exposed to several harsh chemicals before it lands on your plate.
In fact, researchers at the University of Florida – Gainesville have concluded that as much as 4.6% of the fats in canola have become (deadly) trans-fats due to the refining process it undergoes to decrease its toxicity. To add insult to injury, the majority of canola is genetically modified – but that’s a whole other can of worms we’re not going to open at this time.
Now, as a health-conscious person I’m sure you’ll do your own research – as you should. Never take anyone’s sole opinion as fact. And while you’re researching this matter, you’ll come across several different opinions. Again, some people believe it’s the healthiest stuff on Earth – others will advise you to steer clear.
Obviously I’m in the latter camp and I strongly believe you should join us. Here’s why…
Let’s just say that canola oil is not bad for you. With so much controversy, it’s hard to know who to trust. But for argument’s sake, let’s pretend that it’s not only harmless, but good for you as well.
Now, if it was the only available cooking oil, I’d say go ahead and use it. But it’s not. You have a choice. A much healthier choice that EVERYONE agrees is healthy: extra virgin olive oil. It comes with all the benefits that canola supposedly does and it’s virtually unprocessed.
Given this, why would you ever take part in the canola debate and potentially risk your health? Choose the superior product – olive oil – and rest easy knowing you’re definitely doing your body good.
OK, so no canola oil – not that we were using it anyway. But nor do we use olive oil, whether for cooking or in any kind of salad dressing. Instead we use organic extra virgin coconut oil, which has a really great taste, and has been trumpeted a good deal in online and printed media. Is there a consensus on this oil? Are we just wasting money, given the ready availability of olive oil? Or are there distinct benefits to coconut oil?
Yes I would like to know about organic coconut oil!! Good or bad???
Hi Alicia,
We do recommend coconut oil while on the program, organic is best!
Are chicken legs, in the meal plan, drum sticks? I have seen recipes for
Hi Cathy,
You can have any part of the chicken you like. Wishing you a great start!
Are the chicken legs, in the meal plan, drum sticks? I have seen recipes for Quarter chicken legs. It.s confusing.
Hi Cathy,
You can have any part of the chicken you like. Wishing you a great start!
Coconut oil is far superior to canola oil and great for “sweete” recipes … The best oil for frying savory food is avacado oil… Give it a try…
I just got avocado oil. The great thing is the temperature it withstands is 500!
which is best,extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil ?
Hi Marion,
Both olive oil and coconut oil are fine to have while on the program.
What James Ward is saying to all of us is that processed oil and food is bad and stick to non processed as much as possible. Makes sense totally.
Tried canola oil once tasted like petroleum oil to me threw it all away
Hi Guy,
If you don’t like the taste of canola oil, you can substitute it with approved oils on the program.
As a side question…what about butter?
The problem with olive oil is that it has a low burn point. When using oil to cook with olive oil will tend to burn too quickly. What are the other options? I love stir fry vegetables.
I’ve used canola oil for quite a while because it has no flavor, and olive oil seems to go bad on me before I use it. And same here on the flash point. I’m checking out grape seed oil and safflower oil. I’m told these are better for that. I’ve never used coconut oil. It has more saturated fat than butter! I’m waiting for studies to change their minds about that one!
Try avocado oil. I get mine at Costco. It has a very high flashpoint. I love it!
I recently read that grape seed oil may not be the best for frying foods. I have been using it for quite a while. I would consider using it on a salad at this point as I don’t have very much left. I have used olive oil for a long time but recently changed to coconut oil which has many uses.
Hi Don,
Being originally from the Mediterranean I can answer your question. If you are sautéing with olive oil; first heat the pan/skillet etc and when hot then drop a tbsp. of olive oil. It will immediately get to the intended temperature, lower the heat. Olive oil has more emulsion than normal oil and it seems to “spread” on the warm pan unlike other oils. To deep fry: bring to the temperature and then turn down. As soon as food hits it, it automatically lowers the temperature, but unlike other oils it also keeps a more steady temperature.
The book says extra virgin olive oil. Am I wrong now in using it?
I have been using extra virgin Olive oil. But sometimes I will use coconut oil.I never liked canola oil.
I use extra Virginia olive oil most everyday while cooking vegetables. I love it.
How about Avocado oil?
If it is “processed” do not use it!
Sorry, in the above post, I meant to say it is Carrington Farms pure, unrefined, cold pressed 100% organic extra virgin coconut oil.
Sorry for the typo!
Judy
I used olive oil with my stir fry dish and love it as a matter of fact i used it in everything i cook.
Highly educational, looking forth to coming back again
What about skim milk, chicken breast as opposed to legs, butter?
Hi Ruth,
You can have almond milk as long as unsweetened. Butter is fine and yes you can substitute chicken breast for chicken legs.
Can I eat 2% Face greek yogurt or should I switch to the regular?
Hi Edith,
Thanks for writing in. You can have either of the two. There are no restrictions on this.
Just make sure you’re not eating the kind loaded with sugar (read the nutrition label). Plain, whole yogurt is best and if you like it with fruit, it’s best if you put your own in there (e.g. raspberries, blueberries).
Remember in the book that he says always use the full fight yogurts Cheese’s
Hi Mary,
Dairy is a grey area. Many people are affected by it while others eat it and still get results.
You just have to try it out for yourself. If you eat dairy products and are still seeing results, no need to cut it out. If you don’t get the results you are looking for, cut out the dairy for a few weeks and see if that was affecting you.
You can have full fat Greek yogurt.
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Shouldn’t you discuss – warn – about Soybean Oil as well ! Very similar in “danger” level. yes?
Hi Carolyn,
Please take a look at this link below:
https://www.livestrong.com/article/414513-is-soybean-oil-good-or-bad-for-you/
It is best if you use olive oil and coconut oil.
Is it ok to use Nut Pods (lactose free creamer) for coffee or cooking. I also use Teecheeno (herbal) coffee. Are the okay?
Hi Jean,
Yes, you may use these items. Wishing you a great start!
Can I drink V-8 juice since I can’t have regular milk and orange juice?
Hi Barbara,
Preferably you would eat your vegetables whole. That said, if you’re going to drink juice, vegetable (as opposed to fruit) is much better. The problem with it, though, is that you don’t get the fiber that you would if you were eating it whole.
But again, if you drink a bit here and there, it’s not an issue as far as fat loss is concerned.
You should try to stay away from sugar as much as possible. You should only consume sugar during your cheat meals which should be 1-2 per week once you begin phase II.
Almond milk as well as coconut milk are OK as long as unsweetened. But wait until phase II to have it.
Are chicken legs, in the meal plan, drum sticks, or chicken leg quarters?
Hi Cathy,
You can have any part of the chicken you like. Wishing you a great start!
Are chicken legs, in the meal plan, drum sticks? I have seen recipes for
Hi Cathy,
You can have any part of the chicken you like. Wishing you a great start!
What about grapeseed oil? It’s light and has no flavor.
Hi Karolyn,
Best oils to use:
· Olive
· Flaxseed
· Avocado
· Walnut
· Sesame
· Grapeseed
· Cocount
· Macadamia
You should avoid Canola oil or oils labeled as partially hydrogenated as most partially hydrogenated oils are made from vegetable oils like soybean or cottonseed.
Please let us know if there is anything else we can assist you with.