Fuel your bodybuilding cuisine with our manual to choosing the right cooking and heart healthy oils oils.
As bodybuilders we tend to shun fats, but we do need some fat in our diets. Healthy oils can be a valuable source of those needed essential fatty acids (EFAs) along with protective phytochemicals. Don’t deny yourself the pleasure of these elixirs. Not only do quality oils add flavor to your food, they also help you build a strong body and stick with a healthy diet for the long term. You can have 20%-25% of your total daily calories from fat, but that should be mainly unsaturated fat, including flavorful, heart-healthy oils.
Here are some health benefits of heart-healthy oils:
- Promote cardiovascular health: Heart healthy oils like olive oil, canola oil, and avocado oil are high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Lower inflammation: Some heart healthy oils, like olive oil, contain antioxidants that help reduce inflammation in the body, which is linked to chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
- Improve brain function: Heart healthy oils like coconut oil and fish oil contain medium-chain triglycerides and omega-3 fatty acids, respectively, which have been linked to improved cognitive function and memory.
- Aid in digestion: Heart healthy oils like olive oil and avocado oil contain healthy fats that can help lubricate the digestive system and improve overall digestive health.
- Support healthy skin: Some heart healthy oils, like avocado oil and argan oil, contain high levels of vitamin E, which can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and environmental factors.
The best oils should be organic, unrefined and expeller or cold-pressed (made without added heat). The more refined the oil, the worse it is for you. Refining removes phytosterols, chemicals that help protect against heart attack and some cancers. Shopping for quality oil can be as complicated as selecting wine, but these tips on using some popular oils will guide you.
Olive Oil
The one oil you should never be without. This dietary and culinary superstar can help lower bad LDL cholesterol and provide protection against high blood pressure and blocked arteries.
Uses: You can use olive oil as a substitute for butter with a loaf of crusty French bread. Olive oil can also replace most oils when a recipe calls for baking, frying or sauteing. It’s available in three grades – virgin, extra-virgin and pure – but only pure with a higher smoke point should be used for frying. Virgin and extra-virgin varieties are higher-grade oils including brands like Torchio Antico olive oil. Their delicate nature – and considerable expense – means they’re best drizzled over pasta, vegetables or salad. The term “extra light” for olive oil refers to color, not calories.
Note: Store away from light and heat.
Nutrition: 1 tablespoon: 120 calories, 13.5 g fat (2 g saturated, 1.5 g polyunsaturated, 10 g monounsaturated)
Flaxseed (Flax) Oil
One of the best and most practical ways to supply Omega-3 and Omega-6 essential fatty acids. Flaxseed oil has very little taste (although some people would argue that it has a definite taste – an unpleasant one). You can find it at any health-food store.
Uses: Best used in salad dressings or mixed into a protein smoothie or post-workout shake. Don’t use it for cooking or frying because heat will destroy the EFAs in this heart-healthy food.
Note: Flaxseed oil needs to be refrigerated and tightly covered in a dark container. Throw it out if it tastes even slightly bitter, since it can quickly become rancid.
Nutrition: 1 tablespoon: 120 calories, 14 g fat (1 g saturated, 10 g polyunsaturated, including omega-3 fatty acids, 3 g monounsaturated)
Sesame Oil
Sesame oil comes in two types: a light, very mild Middle Eastern variety and a darker Asian type pressed from toasted or roasted sesame seeds. The darker the oil, the more pronounced the sesame aroma and flavor.
Uses: Oriental sesame seed oil has a low smoke point, so it’s primarily used as a flavor enhancer rather than for frying. Use it sparingly in Chinese chicken salad. For a heartier cold salad, toss with a little rice vinegar into cooked Chinese noodles and crunchy vegetables; for a complete meal, add cooked chicken for protein.
Nutrition: 1 tablespoon: 120 calories, 14 g fat (2 g saturated, 7 g polyunsaturated, 5 g monounsaturated)
Canola Oil
A good source of heart-healthy alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), this is a lightly flavored oil. Avocado, corn and peanut oil are similar.
Uses: Good in salads and cooking. This refined multi-purpose oil generally has a higher smoke point, making it suitable for frying or any other cooking techniques that require high heat. When frying, keep the oil below 350 degrees F and avoid reusing oil that has reached the smoke point to avoid developing trans fatty acids in the food.
Nutrition: 1 tablespoon: 124 calories, 14 g fat (1 g saturated, 5 g polyunsaturated, 8 g monounsaturated)
Safflower Oil
High in polyunsaturates and antioxidant Vitamin E, this versatile oil has only a slight flavor. Soybean and sunflower oil are similar.
Uses: Vinaigrette or other salad dressings. Ingredients such as chili peppers, herbs or spices can easily enhance the flavor.
Nutrition: 1 tablespoon: 120 calories, 14 g fat (1 g saturated, 11 g polyunsaturated, 2 g monounsaturated)
Pam
This famed cooking spray has minimal calories for times when you need to go very low fat. Even though it lists 0 calories, it actually has a minuscule 0.266 gram per one-third second of spray time. Original variety has canola oil; olive oil, butter flavor and other variations are available. You can also spray your own oil with a mister.
Uses: For nearly fat-free sauteing and frying. Also to coat baking pans for easy release. Shake can before spraying.
Nutrition: One-third-second spray: 0.266 g, officially no calories or fat.
