Oils are an essential part of any diet. While we want to stay away from hydrogenated oils, there are plenty of healthier oils on the market that can be used for cooking. More commonly known oils are olive and canola, which are great sources of unsaturated, heart healthy fat. However, if you like to try new things, you might want to pick up a bottle of rice bran oil or sesame oil on your next trip to the grocery store. These two oils were highlighted in the news recently for their ability to lower blood pressure and LDL (the "bad" cholesterol, when used in combination. This combo of oils has been found to decrease blood pressure almost as well as some medication. This doesn't surprise me. I am always a fan of using natural remedies over medication to treat health conditions. Apparently, the "oil blend" used in this study isn't available commercially yet, but I'm sure you could make the mixture yourself and it would be cheaper than any premixed version that would be sold.
Even used alone, these oils have quite a bit to offer, including their individual abilities to lower blood pressure. I am not sure why the study focused on the benefits obtained from the combination of the oils. Perhaps, together, the effects are even more dramatic. Rice Bran Oil: The smoke point of rice bran oil is high, meaning that it is great for high temperature cooking methods, such as sauteeing and stir-frying. The flavor is said to be mild so it will not interfere with other flavors and ingredients in whatever dish you are making. I have not tried this oil, but I may have to once my stash of cooking oils gets low. In addition to its positive impact on the cardiovascular system, I have read that it can ease hot flashes and other symptoms associated with menopause. Sesame Oil: This oil has a moderately high smoke point, but not to the same degree as rice bran. I have tried this oil and keep a bottle handy. It has a great, strong smell and a distinct flavor that pairs well with stir fry dishes, fried rice, and other Asian-inspired cuisine. I use it to cook with and also will add a couple of drops at the end of cooking as a flavor enhancer. The health benefits of sesame oil include blood pressure and cholesterol lowering effects. The oil is also full of vitamin E, calcium, iron, and a host of other minerals that our bodies need. A word of caution: There is a such thing as too much of a good thing. Oil, although healthy, still has to be used in moderation. It contains a lot of calories per gram so as with anything, over consumption will lead to weight gain. Measuring spoons are your friend!
2 Comments
Evie
9/21/2012 03:41:06 am
These oils help blood pressure and menopause?! I will get some this weekend! Thank you. You always seem to hit "home".
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Alena
9/21/2012 08:21:25 am
That's the claim! (At least for the rice bran oil). Let me know how you like it.
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AuthorHello there, my name is Alena and I am a Registered Dietitian! This blog is a platform through which I can share my knowledge and perspectives on a variety of nutrition-related topics. Feel free to contribute by commenting. Archives
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