Beyond Olive Oil : 6 Healthy Cooking Oils To Nudge Healthy Living

It is always great to amp up the benefit of your meals in any way possible. While Nudge often uses extra-virgin olive oil for our healthy living recipes, other oils can be enjoyed and might even give you added nutritional benefits. Using just one healthy oil is like using only one spice or only eating one type of cuisine.  There are six other oils that we need to educate ourselves on. They not only transform a dish but they also bring to the table their own list of nutritional benefits. Next time you cook reach for one of these oils to boost your dish!

6 Healthy Cooking Oils To Use Instead Of Olive Oil

1. Canola Oil:  This oil has a big bang for the buck. It has the lowest price and the lowest saturated fat content. It also has a high dose of alpha-linolenic acid.  Alpha-linolenic acid has been shown to reduce inflammation and shows some signs of preventing heart disease. Canola oil doesn’t have much of a taste so it’s versatile. It’s medium to high smoke point also makes it great for baking. Mix it into your next batch of muffins or sauté veggies with it.  Cost per tablespoon is 6 cents.

2. Peanut Oil: With its mild nutty flavor peanut oil is perfect for healthy frying. This oil can be heated to high temps, which allows foods to fry quicker and absorbed less oil in the meantime. It also contains an antioxidant called resveratol, which has been linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and some cancers. Use this oil the next time you want to fry up some chicken or potatoes or toss it in with the stir-fry. Cost per tablespoon is 11 cents.  

3. Safflower Oil:  This oil has been found to help with weight loss and also aid in controlling blood sugar.  Adding as little as two teaspoons to your daily diet could benefit your midsection and help improve your muscle mass. Safflower oil is similar to canola oil in that it is almost tasteless so it doesn’t take away from your dish. Try using it in vinaigrettes or on veggies before grilling. Cost per tablespoon is 12 cents.

4. Flaxseed: Bring it on omega-3 fatty acids! Use this oil cold as heating it depletes the benefits. Add it to your peanut butter or on your kale. One great way to consume this power packed oil in through smoothies. Yum!!! You can also stirred into oatmeal. There are a variety of flavors on the market and the cost will be around 52 cents per tablespoon.  

5. Avocado: For a slightly fruity taste to brighten your veggies and fish this oil is light and delicate. It has a high smoke point like canola and peanut so it can be used for frying and browning. The fruity taste also makes it suitable to use on salads or drizzled over veggies. We all know how good avocados are for us and the oil is even better helping fight off free radicals. Cost per tablespoon is 57 cents.

6. Toasted Sesame: A Nudge favorite! Great with Asian dishes it is also yummy mixed into soups or drizzled over vegetables. It packs a wonderful flavor while also giving you a hearty dose of vitamin E. Cost per tablespoon is 53 cents.

Now you are ready to dazzle everyone with your healthy cooking skills and knowledge of versatile cooking oils. Next time you’re at the grocery pick up one or two and give them a try. Your body will thank you.

Nudge measures how healthy you're living with a single health score, the Nudge Factor. Now syncing with your favorite health apps, Nudge is your healthy lifestyle in one place, with one health score. If you'd like to learn more about how to engage your audience and get more brand advocates, contact Nudge.