Finding the right oil for your diet is a crucial part of maintaining your health—and is especially important for those who stick to a vegan diet. To minimize some of the confusion you may face in the oil aisle at your local grocery store, here are five of the healthiest vegan cooking oils on the market.
Avocado oil
Though avocado oil is on the pricier side, it offers you valuable health benefits that are worth the extra coin. One of the reasons avocado oil is ideal for preparing vegan dishes is its high smoke point. Plus, avocado oil allows you to prepare veggies, bake, and make salad dressings, all with the added benefit of supplementing your vitamin E intake.
Coconut oil
The popularity of coconut oil is unsurprising given that it offers many health perks, such as its immunity-boosting properties. It also contains saturated fatty acid, which makes it resistant to oxidation at high heat and therefore suitable for high-heat cooking methods.
Light olive oil
Olive oil is packed with healthy and flavorful compounds such as volatile aromatic elements like esters and terpenes, pigments like chlorophyll, and several antioxidants, which makes it ideal for a vegan diet. Olive oil has a low amount of saturated and polyunsaturated fats, but is rich in monounsaturated fats, making it a good choice for vegans.
Rice-bran oil
Rice-bran oil also has a high smoke point, making it a good option for when you want to prepare food in high-heat applications like frying. Plus, rice-bran oil contains chemicals such as tocotrienols, which experts believe have antioxidant properties, and studies demonstrate that the fat profile of bran is optimal, making it a perfect choice for health-conscious foodies.
Canola oil
Canola oil has a high composition of monounsaturated fats, a low percentage of saturated fats, and has low amounts of erucic acid giving it a neutral flavor. Canola oil also has a high smoking point and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which has a multitude of health benefits, including keeping energy levels up and ensuring that your organs function properly.