What are the healthiest cooking oils for everyday use?
The healthiest cooking oils for everyday use are olive oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil. Extra virgin olive oil is widely considered the gold standard due to its high monounsaturated fat content and antioxidants, and it works well for low to medium heat cooking and dressings. Avocado oil has a similar fat profile but a higher smoke point, making it better for high-heat cooking like searing or roasting.
For oils to limit, highly processed vegetable oils like soybean, corn, and sunflower oil are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which in excess can promote inflammation. The key is choosing minimally processed oils and matching the oil to your cooking temperature to avoid breaking down beneficial compounds.