A form of waxy substance (blood fat), cholesterol helps in the production of bile, vitamin D, cell membranes, and steroid hormones. All the cholesterol your body needs is produced by your liver. However, animal-based foods, which are the main sources of cholesterol, can also provide you with cholesterol. Foods high in trans and saturated fats cause the liver to make more cholesterol. It is important to take special care of oil for cholesterol.
Unsaturated fats in oils should also be taken into consideration as they can increase cholesterol levels. For example, saturated fats found in coconut oil, palm oil, and palm kernel oil can increase so-called "bad" cholesterol levels. So if you have cholesterol, it is important to do the necessary research and find healthy options for you. Here are healthy oils to be consumed by people with cholesterol.
- Sesame Oil: Although sesame oil has a higher smoke point than others, it is cholesterol-free. Additionally, it has a balanced amount of fat, with more than 5 grams of monounsaturated fat and 2 grams of saturated fat in each tablespoon. Sesame oil can be used to sauté vegetables or as a component of salad dressings, but it can be used in other types of cooking due to its strong, nutty flavour.
- Peanut Oil: High-temperature cooking oil from the plant-based seeds of peanuts is known as peanut oil. Most of the nutrients are preserved in raw or cold-pressed peanut oil, which is also a cost-effective option. The high smoking point of peanut oil makes it perfect for grilling, sautéing vegetables, and roasting meats. While you can deep fry with peanut oil, this cooking technique is bad for cholesterol and negates the health benefits of the oil.
- Olive Oil: It contains no cholesterol. Extra-virgin olive oil is one of the least processed olive oils, the healthiest option. Choose cold-pressed olive oil because it is of higher quality and the temperature is never too high during the pressing process. Although it lacks the anti-inflammatory properties of regular olive oil, it is still nutritious and contains monounsaturated fats. Extra virgin olive oil does not have a very high smoke point, however. So it works best when cooked slowly over medium heat. Can be poured over salads or used as a topping for pasta.
- Chia Seed Oil: Alpha-linolenic acid, which contributes to the production of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. The golden-colored oil is known as chia. It is ideal for light frying, pasta, and salads, as it has an extremely high smoking point and mild flavor. So you should not rely on chia seed oil to meet your fiber demand.
- Avocado Oil: Avocado oil is made by pressing the pulp of a fruit. It is also delicious at high temperatures. Of all the oils, avocado oil has a high concentration of monounsaturated fats, which provide anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and heart health benefits. Additionally, avocado oil contains healthy antioxidants like lutein that your body cannot make naturally. So including avocado oil is a great way to get lutein, which promotes eye health.
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