The Best Uses For Specific Oils

On The Kaufmann Diet, you are encouraged to eat healthy fats; included in these fats are a myriad of oils that you can use for cooking, or in different recipes. For years, we were told that fats were bad for us, would give us heart disease, and make us fat, ourselves. Today, we know that certain fats and oils confer very specific benefits for health and that we should include these in our diet. Specific Oils for specific uses.

Ironically, many of the fats and oils we were told for years were the ”healthy” alternatives to things like butter or lard––foods like crisco and vegetable oils––have wound up being implicated in heart disease. Some oils you should always avoid, particularly if you are on The Kaufmann Diet. These include fats like trans fats, hydrogenated fats, and crisco or shortening. While on The Kaufmann Diet, it is also recommended to avoid most vegetable oils, canola oil, corn oil, and oils like truffle oil. 

There are so many good oils available, however. Remember that oils should not be used above their smoke point, or the point at which they begin to burn and disintegrate. Below are some oils that are encouraged along with their best uses. 

Olive Oil

Olive oil is among the healthiest oils you can eat. Look for cold pressed, extra virgin olive oil. Olive oil can be used for lower-temperature cooking and sautéing, but it should not be used for high heat application. Olive oil is great used in a raw setting as a salad dressing or as a dip.  

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has anti-fungal properties and a mild, sweet, coconut flavor. Coconut oil can handle higher heat cooking. It can be good for frying or sautéing. 

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is packed with healthy fats. Its smoke point is high, so it can be useful for grilling, frying and other high heat applications. 

Grape Seed Oil

Grape seed oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point; it is great for grilling or applications where high heat is necessary. Grape seed oil should be refrigerated after opening. 

Sesame Oil

Sesame oil can be cooked with, but its smoke point is lower than other oils. It should be kept refrigerated. 

Macadamia Nut Oil

Mac nut oil has a buttery flavor and can be good for cooking or used raw. It is loaded with healthy fats.