The Best Oil for Frying
Frying is a tricky process that requires the correct oil. Too much smoke can cause carcinogens to form. If you are frying food, it is vital to use oil with a high smoke point. Frying oils having high smoke points will prevent carcinogens from forming and give you more control over the cooking process.
Food must also be flavorful. How do various oils rank for quality frying?
Is Frying Foods Healthy?
Frying foods is one of the most common cooking techniques. It involves cooking in oil or fat in a frying pan, shallow frying, or deep frying.
We all know that frying is often unhealthy. It's high in fat and calories, and the oil is often reused. You're essentially turning oil into a conduit for flavor when you're frying. However, if you are to fry your food, it is essential to use the correct type of oil. Some oils are better for frying than others because their smoke point is less likely to break down during the cooking process.
The oils with high smoke points are the safest for good health. These oils won't break down at high temperatures and can withstand more rounds of frying.
Olive oil is among the best oils to use when frying, but not only because it can withstand more rounds of frying than other oils.
How Good is Olive Oil?
Olive oil consists of mostly monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat. Both of these fats are good for your heart; in fact, olive oil lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
Olive oil is an excellent choice for frying because it is pretty flavorful and has a relatively high smoke point. In comparison, seed oils have lower smoke points and are not as tasty. Seed oils also can lead to inflammation in the body.
More and more research shows that seed oils such as soybean, corn, and canola oil can lead to inflammation in the body. Seed oils, high in Omega 6 fatty acids, are a pro-inflammatory fat.
Olive oil is the superior tasting, healthy choice compared to seed oils.
Conclusion
So, for most home chefs and professionals, olive oil is the best oil for frying. Frying oil choices like seed oils, such as canola and vegetable oil, can also be good, but they don't come close to olive oil's high smoke point or positive health benefits.
