The heart is one of the most important organs of the body which does not ever go to sleep as it works 24/7. Therefore, there is the need to do the utmost to protect it at all times.
For a while now, and especially in the pandemic, a healthy lifestyle has been a focus for many people. Food habits form an inherent part of one’s lifestyle, which is why experts advise that people add nutritious food to their plates so as to ward off diseases.
In the fast-paced life that everyone has been leading, stress has become a big roadblock, which can only be countered by lifestyle changes that include food, rest, and physical fitness.
Akshay Modi, a food nutritionist, has intimated while it is crucial to be conscious of the food you consume and cook, the most important thing is to be able to choose the right oil. “Whether it is sautéing, deep-frying, shallow-frying, or grilling, oil is one of the most common and essential ingredients used in cooking”.
Edible oils are a source of fat, but too much of the wrong kind can lead to the risk of heart disease. There are a wide variety of oils available on the market, but not all are known to promote healthy heart functioning. So, the obvious question is: Which oil is best for the heart?
Olive oil
Olive oil is extracted from olive fruit and is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats. It contains large amounts of antioxidants, which when used in cooking, will reduce the risk of many heart diseases. Olive oil has strong anti-inflammatory properties, it lowers blood pressure, protects ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol particles from oxidation, and improves the function of blood vessels.
Rice bran oil
Rice bran oil, on the other hand, is extracted from the outer bran or husk of rice grains. It has a high smoke point and is useful for high-heat cooking. This oil is a good source of vitamins E, K, and good fats like polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. Consuming these unsaturated fats can improve blood cholesterol levels, which can decrease the risk of heart disease.
Owing to various benefits, a blend of olive oil and rice bran oil is perfect for everyday cooking for people who are concerned about their heart health. As such some health benefits of Olive and Rice bran oils are:
Both oils absorb less fat compared to the other oils and contains essential fatty acids along with linoleic acid — scientifically known for preventing and treating diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
That notwithstanding, these oils have an extremely high smoke point that makes it excellent for frying and deep-frying. This prevents fatty acid breakdown at high temperatures, thus making the food healthier.
They contain oryzanol, a powerful natural antioxidant that protects against heart disease by maintaining optimum cholesterol levels (reducing Low Density Lipoprotein, LDL and increasing High Density Lipoprotein HDL).
Rice bran oil has been proved to be the best oil for blending with olive oil, due to its nutrient composition. Olive oil provides heart health benefits that prevent the buildup of cardiovascular diseases.
Ultimately, they can also help prevent other lifestyle conditions such as diabetes, obesity, etc.
Always be reminded that a healthy multisource cooking oil provides the combined nutrients and boosts immunity which keeps you active throughout the day.
Read also: Top five Ghanaian foods to eat this weekend
