Which vegetable oil is the most beneficial for the body — Top 5 options
According to research, many vegetable oils have beneficial properties for health. They are rich in poly- and monounsaturated fatty acids, vitamins and some antioxidants that protect the body from many diseases, including cancer.
However, not all oils are equally beneficial. Some types can be beneficial only if certain rules are followed, while others are completely contraindicated for oral administration.
5 most useful types
Below are the 5 most useful vegetable oils for humans (based on scientific sources of information).
1. Olive oil
Olive oil has been used by humans for over 6,000 years and is considered one of the most useful.
In the composition present mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins K and E, essential for maintaining health.
Oil possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect, can be used for the prevention of malignant tumors and any chronic diseases.
Italian specialists claim that the product contains substances that inhibit the growth and reproduction of pathogenic bacteria, including Helicobacter Pylori, the main causative agent of gastritis.
Specialists underline the effectiveness of the oil in preventing and slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease, as well as preventing age-related decline cognitive functions .
Olive oil is recommended for people with diseases of the musculoskeletal system. It increases Bone mineral strength and makes it easier the course of inflammatory processes in the joints.
Unrefined olive oil of the highest quality (Extra virgin olive oil) has the greatest medicinal properties. It has a high gorenje temperature (about 180-200 degrees), which allows you to cook food on it (frying, deep-frying).
2. Coconut oil
Coconut Oil is no less widespread in folk and evidence-based medicine, cooking.
90% of it submitted unsaturated fatty acids, important for the heart and blood vessels, as well as exocrine secretion glands (liver, pancreas).
Nutritionists often recommend a weight loss product due to the following effects ( 1 , 2 , 3 ):
- Acceleration of metabolic processes;
- The oppression of hunger;
- Reduction of body weight and waist circumference in men and women.
The product is often used to improve the health of the skin of the face and body. It Moisturizes covers the skin and smoothes fine wrinkles, warns fragility of nails, hair and eyelashes.
Numerous studies have revealed the ability of coconut oil to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and assist in the treatment of neurodegenerative pathologies.
Cold pressed oil is considered the most preferred. It is also ideal for frying food in a frying pan.
3. Pumpkin
Pumpkin Seed Oil is used to maintain the health of the genitourinary system.
The main advantages are:
- Improvement of the flow benign prostatic hyperplasia in men;
- Elimination signs of bladder irritation for any reason.
Scientists from Jamaica revealed that pumpkin oil reduces the severity of disorders caused by hormonal changes after menopause ("hot flashes", headaches).
Also a herbal remedy maybe effective to combat depressive states , fear and anxiety.
Single research notes the ability of a product reduce plasma glucose levels; prevent the development of cardiovascular pathologies associated with atherosclerosis.
Pumpkin oil can be eaten in its pure form, and salads can be filled with it. Any thermal effect is unacceptable, as it leads to the production of carcinogenic substances and loss of biological potential.
4. Milk thistles
Milk thistle is a weed plant, however milk thistle oil useful for all human organ systems.
The main advantage of the product – protection liver from any damage associated with the course of chronic diseases (hepatitis, cirrhosis, hepatosis) or exposure to toxic substances ( poisoning pale toadstool, taking some medications).
Also, according to information experts from Italy, the oil increases the production of breast milk in nursing mothers after pregnancy due to its effect on the production of prolactin (hormone of the anterior pituitary gland).
The remedy can be used for prevention and even therapy ( 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ):
- Osteoporosis;
- Malignant neoplasms;
- Type II diabetes mellitus;
- Any diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
Milk thistle oil can be used topically or taken orally (preferably in the morning on an empty stomach). In no case is it recommended to expose the product to any thermal influences and fill hot dishes with it.
5. Tea Tree oil
Tea Tree Leaf Oil is famous for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties.
It is capable of:
- Destroying pathogenic microorganisms (streptococci and staphylococci, hemophilic bacillus, Escherichia);
- Protect the body from viruses;
- Fight with fungal nail lesions;
- Scare away insects (mosquitoes, flies);
- Eliminate or alleviate acne;
- Improve Oral health and reduce the risk of caries;
- Eliminate itching and inflammation in the skin (for allergic diseases, psoriasis);
- Reduce the amount of dandruff on the hair (for seborrheic dermatitis).
Tea tree oil is widely used in folk medicine and cosmetics industry. Antiseptics, shampoos and soaps, deodorants are made on its basis.
In no case should you drink oil, it is fraught with extremely dangerous side effects. It can only be applied topically.
Other useful types
From a biological point of view, the following oils are also widely appreciated:
- Cedar . Eliminates any infectious and inflammatory processes in the skin, normalizes sleep, fights anxiety and depressive disorders, repels insects. It is used topically or as part of aromatherapy.
- Peanut butter. Has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect and reduces the risk of developing any chronic diseases. Protects the skin from the negative effects of ultraviolet solar radiation.
- Apricot pits. Contains a lot of unsaturated fatty acids that reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. The direct effectiveness of the product has been proven in order to prevention coronary heart disease and Warnings colon cancer.
- Avocado seeds. Can be used topically (moisturizes the skin and smoothes wrinkles) or orally. It regulates the functional activity of the liver and pancreas, protects against pathologies of the heart and blood vessels, and oncological processes.
- Mustard. It contains unsaturated fats, vitamin E and other antioxidants. It is used only topically to improve skin health and hair condition.
The most harmful oils
Harmful oils (from a scientific point of view) include:
- Rapeseed . Is a potentially harmful product. It has now been proven that it increases blood pressure, promotes the development of heart disease and reduces life expectancy.
- Ginger. Is saturated with linoleic acid, which increases the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke, as well as sudden cardiovascular death.
- Grape seeds. Is the leader in the volume of arachidonic acid in the composition. Acid improves glucose metabolism in the body, but contributes to the development of cardiovascular diseases (coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, hypertension, etc.).
- Poppy. Experts note an increase in the number of depressive disorders and chronic diseases in people whose diet is dominated by poppy oil.
- Sunflower. This type of oil is the most common, but extremely dangerous. When heated, it releases harmful substances, which contributes to the appearance of malignant tumors and cardiovascular diseases, increases the risk of sudden cardiogenic death.
The intermediate position between useful and harmful oils is occupied by:
- Palm oil;
- Linen.
They should be consumed only in moderation and as rarely as possible.
Conclusion
- Most vegetable oils have a positive effect on health.
- Their use is a way to protect your body from many diseases.
- At the same time, a group of the most harmful oils should be excluded from the diet. Using them as food can harm your health.