Can I check your oil, Miss?

If you are anything like me, I tend to stay away from oil when I am dieting. I know all about how good oil can be for you, in moderation, but I am more concerned with counting calories. But, I am probably cheating myself, so here is the low-down on oil.

For one, we all hear so much about Olive Oil and it's many, many benefits, but there are other oils out there that can also be stars in your kitchen. Not all can be used in the same cooking manner though, so read up and then hit your health food store to stock up on a few different varieties.

Almond Oil has a light, nutty flavor and can be substituted for Peanut Oil in a stir-fry, or use it in a salad dressing. The main advantage of Almond Oil is the Vitamin E, which is a fat-soluble vitamin that fights free radicals, which in turn fights premature aging. Almond Oil is delicious when sprinkled over green beans and tossed with a handful of sliced almonds.

Avocado Oil is perfect for use when cooking at high temperatures, as it can withstand higher heats than any other plant-based oil. It also contains more then 2 times the amount of Lutein then Olive Oil, a powerful antioxidant linked to healthy eyesight.

Hazelnut Oil is known for it's mono-unsaturated (good) fat. Per tablespoon, it has one more gram than Olive Oil. And, the flavor is unmistakable. The righ, nutty, slightly sweet flavor blends well with chicken and fish, and you can use it instead of vegetable oil when making muffins or sweets.

Pumpkin Seed Oil is good for lowering cholesterol, as it is high in Phytosterols, a plant compound. Another oil that is great when used on fish, this can be used in salad dressings, just blend it together with some unfiltered Cider Vinegar and herbs of your choice, and you can dress up a salad with a new flavor.

Walnut Oil is best when used cold, as it becomes bitter tasting when heated. Use it on already cooked vegetables and toss just before serving, or use it in a salad dressing. Walnut Oil has a high amount of Omega-3, which reduces risk of heart disease and depression. To multiply the Omega-3's, toss together a leafy green salad topped with salmon and sprinkled with Walnut Oil.

Be eXcellent! - Ms. X