What is vegetable oil?
Though vegetable oil has been around for centuries, its popularity skyrocketed during the 20th century.
“These are the raw materials for our cells to make inflammatory mediators like prostaglandins,” she explains.
However, she also points toresearch in humans4, which suggests that this is not always necessarily the case.
“It also shows that context is important.
It’s typically highly refined.
“Chemical extraction may also generate potentially harmful products such as trans fat,” says Shapiro.
It’s no secret that trans fats are something you definitely don’t want on your plate.
It’s often found in less nutritious foods.
Vegetable oil is also frequently found in fried foods, which can alsoharm heart health11.
So, is vegetable oil bad for your health?
Alternatives to vegetable oil.
There are plenty ofhealthier cooking oil alternativesto vegetable oil.
Try making a few smart swaps on your shopping list and adding these nutritious fats to your diet instead.
Proponents of this popular cooking oil claim that it could help bolster fat-burning and boost weight loss.
What’s more, coconut oil isbrimming with antioxidants18, which can ward off inflammation and disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vegetable oil worse than olive oil?
What is a healthier option than vegetable oil?
Olive oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil are a few great alternatives to vegetable oil.
Each of these oils is rich in antioxidants and has been associated with a host of potential health benefits.
What are the pros and cons of vegetable oil?
On the other hand, vegetable oil is typically highly processed and rich in omega-6 fatty acids.