5 types of cooking oil and how to use them

At Kiwilimón, we know that you are always looking for the best cooking tips, as it is always possible to save time and money, as well as prepare your food in a much healthier way. This time we will talk about the different types of oil, how to use them, and which are the best for your health. You will be surprised to know that not all are suitable for frying or baking. You can also read: 4 oils you can use in the kitchen and in your hairTypes of OilsNext, we will tell you everything you need to know about the different types of oil and which is your best option depending on what you are going to prepare. 1. Canola Oil This type of oil is one of the most accessible and popular in the kitchen, as it has no predominant flavor, making it ideal for cooking without changing the taste of the ingredients. Canola oil comes from the plant known as rapeseed. Thanks to its neutral flavor and a smoke point of 204 °C, canola oil is ideal for sautéing, frying, baking, and frying. However, it is important to remember that fried foods should be consumed in moderation and not frequently to maintain your health. 2. Extra Virgin Olive Oil The extra virgin olive oil is known as a healthy option, as it is rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, which is why it is an essential part of the Mediterranean diet; however, there are some things you should know before cooking with this type of oil. This oil has a very low smoke point, which means that when heated above 191 °C, the oil produces free radicals, a type of harmful molecules associated with the onset of diseases such as cancer. To take advantage of all the benefits that olive oil has for you, it is best not to use it for frying but rather to dress dishes like salads. You can also read: 3 potential benefits of taking olive oil on an empty stomach3. Coconut Oil Coconut oil has gained popularity in recent years, but how healthy is it for cooking? This oil is usually sold in both refined and virgin versions; however, both have a very similar smoke point: 232 °C and 177 °C, respectively. Refined coconut oil is recommended for sautéing or roasting ingredients. On the other hand, virgin coconut oil has a lower smoke point, so it is not recommended for frying. 4. Avocado Oil Another oil that has gained popularity recently is avocado oil, which is attributed a large number of health benefits. Thanks to its smoke point of 271 °C, it is an excellent option for frying, sautéing, and baking. You can also read: Discover the properties of coconut oil inside and outside the kitchen5. Grapeseed Oil Another trendy cooking oil is that produced from grapeseeds, as its smoke point is very high, making it perfect for frying, sautéing, and baking. If you enjoy salads, you can also use it to create delicious dressings.Why is the Smoke Point Important?According to experts, when we heat oil for cooking, it reaches the so-called smoke point, a temperature at which the oil is no longer stable and begins to decompose. Once oils decompose, they start to produce free radicals, a type of molecule associated with the aging process and diseases such as cancer. This is why certain oils are not recommended for frying; however, it should also be mentioned that it is best to reduce or avoid the consumption of fried foods.