OK, so you know that oil isn’t good for you in large quantities. But everything in moderation, right? Do your heart a favor and reach for one of these healthier cooking oils (instead of vegetable oil) the next time you’re grocery shopping. Here, our friends at Pure Wow debunk healthy cooking oils, even including recipes to help get things, um, cookin’.
OLIVE OIL
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Linked to a reduced risk for heart disease, stroke and certain cancers, this one is the Superman of oils (if Superman were a Greek god). Its mild flavor makes it a healthy substitute for butter when baking, and its inherent skin-improving qualities can work their magic whether you ingest it or apply it topically.
Try it: Olive Oil and Orange Cake
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PEANUT OIL
Besides containing heart-healthy fats, vitamin E and antioxidants, peanut oil has a light nutty flavor that makes it the oil of choice for frying.
Try it: Mozzarella Bites
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SESAME OIL
Although it’s very similar to olive oil in fat and caloric content, sesame oil has a bolder flavor that pairs well with stir-fry recipes and is often used in Asian cooking.
Try it: Sesame Broccolini
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AVOCADO OIL
Great for high-heat cooking as well as in salad dressings and cold soups, this oil contains monounsaturated fats (read: the really good kind) that help lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
Try it: Cucumber Gazpacho
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COCONUT OIL
This tropical oil smells great and is rich in healthy fats. It also contains lauric acid, a compound known for its helpful ability to kill bacteria that can cause infections.
Try it: Banana Blueberry Pancakes
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