Research has been shedding a lot of light on three oils that help with weightloss and overall health.
1.) Coconut Oil: Coconut oil has really become popular in mainstream cooking. Even my country grocery store sells two or three brands of coconut oil. And in the past recent months they have added a coconut spray oil that is similar to PAM or canola spray oils - but healthier. Coconut Oil has a complex fat strain. It's structure is more complex than butter; therefore, the saturated fat in coconut oil does not have the same negative effect as butter. In fact our cells need a degree of saturated fats to stay healthy. Dr. Mehmet Oz, M.D., has been promoting the use of coconut oil for quite awhile now, claiming, "This is the fat you need to eat in order to lose the fat you don't want!". It is also if filling and helps limit the number of calories consumed over the course of a day. Michelle Schoffro Cook, Ph.D. explains that the fatty acids in coconut oil improve the thyroid's ability to convert food into energy. These fatty acids increase calorie burning as well. Coconut Oil Research Center is a good source of information if you want to learn more about this super food.
I use coconut oil in place of butter when I saute veggies or brown meat. (This is also a great place to use the spray coconut oil.) It's tropical flavor is mild and does not overwhelm a dish. My husband does not like the taste of coconut, but the flavor is so mild that he does not pick it up in my meals when I do use it! I have also spread it on toast in the morning. A spoonful of coconut oil can be stirred into your hot coffee or tea for easy way to drink the helpful oil. I have friends that even substitute coconut oil in their baking. I have not done that myself yet, but I will have to give it a try.
2.) Safflower Oil: This is a more recent find for me. A study conducted by Ohio State University found that safflower oil had significant impact on reducing blood sugar levels. Linoleic acid found in safflower oil eases the efforts of the pancreas, helping the body better regulate insulin. Reducing risks of Type 2 Diabetes as well as promoting weight-loss has this oil gaining some well deserved attention.
I substitute it for olive oil or butter when I saute. I have also used safflower oil in homemade salad dressing. It is a mild, gentle flavored oil that can be used in a variety of ways. And yes, my country grocery store sells it too!
3.) Rice Bran Oil: Dr. Oz - who I quote often because he is brilliant and inspiring- says that Rice Bran Oil may be one of the healthiest oils in the world!! Rice Bran Oil also reduces cholesterol absorption in our bodies. It also protects the liver from clogging with fat. Your liver is responsible for detoxifying your body, and supporting digestion and metabolism. When our livers become too fatty or toxic, our bodies begin to show numerous negative side effects such as weight gain and inflammation to name a few. (Fatty Liver is actually a medical condition!)
Now this oil is one I have not found in my neck of the woods. But I imagine it would be found at a Whole Foods or health food store. Amazon.com also carries it - what doesn't Amazon carry?? I have not used it personally YET, but others compare its uses to that of canola or peanut oil. It has a high smoke point making it excellent for stir-frying!
Some changes are hard to incorporate- but I think facing my butter obsession and replacing butter with healthy oils will be an easy change to make!
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