Benefits of Whole Food Oils

The benefits of whole food oils, heart healthy oils that prevent and promote thriving health that assists in improving heart disease, are sometimes greatly misunderstood. I recently read an article in the June 2011 issue of Runner's World, that helped to shed some light a few of the different oils that are particularly nutritious. Some of them in ways that may not be common knowledge among many people who aren't familiar with the benefits of heart healthy whole food oils.

Sesame Oil

This is a popular oil among many because of it's nutty flavor, but beyond that, this oil consists of equal parts polyunsaturated as well as monounsaturated fats, that may be beneficial not only to heart disease related health issues, but also to blood sugar. A 2006 study in the Journal of Medicinal Food, showed that diabetics using sesame oil as their only form of oil for a 45 day duration, not only had a reduction in their blood pressure, but in their blood sugar levels.

Avocado Oil

In the circles I've traveled, I've heard people express their love for this particular oil because it seems to have some similarities to a buttery flavor. However, the health benefits are a bit surprising as well from what I've read in this article. If you're someone that spends a lot of time under the sun, avocado oil may be helpful in decreasing UV induced damage to skin cells. Sports dietitian Cassie Dimmick R.D. also touts the beneficial aspect of this oil to decrease the likelihood of bone fractures, combined with it's already good reputation for lowering LDL blood levels, known as "the bad cholesterol".

Walnut Oil

There are few oils with omega 3 content in them. Flax, along with walnuts happen to be two sources of the omega 3 oils, known for lowering cholesterol numbers. Just another reason to implement walnuts into your dietary routine. Walnuts have such a pleasant texture, and make a beautiful non-dairy nut milk to obtain some of those omega 3 benefits from. Mentioned in this article is the role that stress plays on heart disease, and that walnut oil can be helpful in assisting to decrease the body's biological stress response, making walnut oil even more beneficial to those with heart disease.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Due to the decreased level of processing involved with extra virgin olive oil, receiving the anti-oxidant rich benefits of olive oil are a cinch. One of these anti-oxidants called oleocanthal has been shown to have anti-inflammatory qualities according to a study published in Nature, that are quite similar to the anti-inflammatory properties of ibuprofen. Over time, researchers think that extra virgin olive oil can decrease inflammation.

Source:

May 2011 issue of Runner's World