Metabolism – How to choose healthy oils It is best to broil, steam or bake all foods that you do not eat raw. If you want to pan fry or use oil, as I have to sometimes do, limit the amount of oil you use in food preparation and use one of the following: Flaxseed Oil Grapeseed Oil Pumpkinseed Oil Extra Virgin Olive Oil Canola Oil These are two new finds for me in oils…This is what I have found out about them and find to be true. I have always used olive oils and am happy with my new finds! Flaxseed Oil It is best to use flax in a salad dressing, smoothie, yogurt, or by tablet. Don’t use it for cooking because heat will destroy the EFA’s. You can buy and refrigerate it for freshness. Flaxseed oil is rich in Alpha-Linolenic acid (ALA) an essential fatty acid used as a source of energy. ALA is a member of a healthful family of fats called Omega-3 fatty acids. On the other hand, oils derived from corn, safflower, sesame, cottonseed and sunflower are rich in less healthy Omega-6 fatty acid. It is important to keep a balance of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids in the diet to prevent health problems, because American diets tend to be high in Omega-6 fatty acids, adding Omega-3 supplement such as flaxseed oil to your diet helps balance the two fatty acids. 11 Great Reasons to Add Flax Oil to Your Diet: Flax oil floods your body with an abundant supply of essential fatty acids that help you: Enhance joint comfort and flexibility Take control of your cholesterol and triglyceride levels Strengthen your immune system Boost your energy and stamina Normalize blood pressure levels Increase fat-burning Promote blood sugar balance Support healthy kidney and liver function Heighten mood and mental clarity Ease menopause and PMS symptoms Maintain radiantly healthy skin, hair, and nails! Grapeseed Oil Grapeseed oil is a high-linoleic acid product. Linoleic acid is one of the two essential fatty acids your body cannot manufacture – you must take it in through dietary sources. It is the only food known to raise HDL and lower LDL. You may know linoleic acid as omega 6. This is valuable for those wanting to lose weight because it not only helps hypertension caused by sodium excess but also helps to normalize lesions occurring from obesity and diabetes leading to heart disease. Grapeseed oil can be used for salad dressing and in cooking. It has a non-greasy, slightly nutty flavor. Recommended – use before olive oil and canola oil – also this is a great oil to use when popping popcorn. Try it! Canola Oil A good source of alphalinolenic acid (ALA). Is lightly flavored oil, similar to avocado, corn, and peanut oil. Can use in salad dressings and cooking. Try to keep oil below 350 degrees when frying. Safflower Oil High in antioxidants and vitamin E. Versatile oil and favorable. Olive Oil One of my favorites… I keep well stocked! This oil can help lower bad cholesterol and provide protection against high blood pressure. You can use this oil in any recipe, baking, frying, or sautéing. You can soak bread in olive oil instead of butter. (whole wheat, of course!) Drizzle over pasta or veggies or in your salad! *If you like smoothies, add flaxseed to your favorite smoothie… Great tip for the summer to keep you healthy and cool!