When it comes to the kitchen, there are a few pantry staples you simply can’t do without: flour, eggs, sugar, salt and oil.
For a long time, olive has proved the oil of choice, but in recent years, many new plant-derived oils have gained popularity in the market.
Versatile and delicious, grapeseed oil is cementing itself as the new go-to. Delicate in flavour and packed with benefits, grapeseed oil is as great to cook with as it is when used for maintaining a healthy diet.
Considering making the swap? Here are five reasons to start incorporating grapeseed oil into your diet, stat.
1. Grapeseed oil is a source of omega 3s and 6s
You probably already know a thing or two about fatty acids — they’re the ‘good’ types of fat that can help lower the risk of heart disease, dementia and arthritis — but did you know that pure grapeseed oil is actually a rich source of the essential fatty acids omega 3 and 6?
Packed full with the necessary unsaturated fats, grapeseed oil is a great way to up your daily omega intake — no extra fish oil supplements required! However, like any type of fat, be sure to consume the oil in moderation.
2. It goes with everything
It may come from the same fruit that produces rich and robust wines, but grapeseed oil is actually quite light in both fragrance and taste. Unlike other cooking oils on the market (read: olive and sesame oil), A buzz word in the health world, antioxidants provide protection against cellular and tissue damage caused by free radicals in the body. With such powerful properties, antioxidants should be incorporated into our diets every day. While berries and green leafy vegetables prove antioxidant-rich, they aren’t the most powerful sources of the substance. Containing both polyphenols and flavonoids — extremely strong antioxidant compounds — 4. It has a high smoke point
When it comes to frying and grilling, you need an oil that is going to withstand the high temperatures of the pan. While olive oil proves a popular choice for both frying-up steak and sautéing vegetables, the low smoke point of the oil can create unpleasant odours in your kitchen. With an ability to withstand higher temperatures, While cholesterol is an important fat for metabolic purposes, high levels of cholesterol in your blood stream can actually be detrimental to your heart health and can even lead to diabetes. With high-cholesterol rates on the rise in Australia, it’s important to start considering more heart-friendly food and cooking alternatives. Top of the list:
” target=”_blank” rel=””>Azalea Grapeseed Oil3. The oil is filled with naturally occurring antioxidants
5. Grapeseed oil may help to lower cholesterol levels