A thought

[hanadr]

It crossed my mind this morning that people are telling us to use plant oils as a healthier alternative to animal fats. I looked into how these oils are made. Some are simply squashed out of the fruit or seed [they are probably the most expensive] others are extracted using solvents. I don't know which solvents or if any traces remain in the product. Animal fats are integral to normal food. so generally not extracted by chemical means.
To me it seems obvious that, since, animal fats are chemically nearer our own molecular structure [we ARE animals!] and are not "extracted" for our use. Animal fats probably suit our biochemistry better than plant oils. Obviously Avocado or olives or nuts, which are eaten with the food are probably good for us. But what about rape seed oil? or corn oil?
I prefer unprocessed food as far as possible
Hana

 

[noblehead]

Go with what you think is best for your health Hana, I use Extra Virgin Olive Oil and little else in cooking.

 

[borofergie]

I couldn't agree more. Vegetable and seed oils are full of Omega 6 PUFA, which in excess are associated with heart-disease, cancer and inflammation (and therefore probably insulin resistance and diabetes).

You evolved to eat animal fat, not highly processed, mechanically recovered junk.

Wherever possible, I even try to avoid olive oil* (but I prefer it over any seed, nut or vegetable oil, with the sole exception of coconut oil).

*don't tell Popeye

 

[lucylocket61]

The only oil I use it extra-virgin cold pressed Olive oil. A little goes a long way, and has a wonderful taste.

 

[phoenix]

I think that industrially produced fats can be problematic whether from plant of animal sources.
Lard produced at home is made simply from rendered pork fat.
Lard produced industrially may be bleached, deodorised, hydrogenised and be mixed with various additives to help preserve it
Even butter which is less adulterated isn't made by strictly traditional processes in a factory. (adding of various cultures)
Virgin olive oil should have no chemical treatment
Olive oil will contain refined olive oil which will have been chemically treated.

 

[borofergie]

The other problem with polyunsaturated vegetable oils is that they are chemically unstable and therefore vunerable to oxidation:

Polyunsaturated oils are so vulnerable that even at room temperature and in subdued light oxidation occurs inside the bottle. All polyunsaturated vegetable oils sold at grocery stores have become rancid to some degree before you even bring them home. Because the oils have been highly refined and deodorized you can't smell or taste anything, but the free radicals are there, waiting to attack your body.

 

[ladybird64]

I couldn't agree more. Vegetable and seed oils are full of Omega 6 PUFA, which in excess are associated with heart-disease, cancer and inflammation (and therefore probably insulin resistance and diabetes).

You evolved to eat animal fat, not highly processed, mechanically recovered junk.

Wherever possible, I even try to avoid olive oil* (but I prefer it over any seed, nut or vegetable oil, with the sole exception of coconut oil).

*don't tell Popeye

Why avoid Olive Oil Stephen? I understand about corn oil etc but don't quite get this.(Simple explanation if you please )

 

[Maddiemo1]

I have started using coconut oil in fact I use everything coconut now sugar, flour etc. it's very expensive but I always buy tilde.
I was reading that the oil brings your bad cholestrol down.

 

[dawnmc]

I use coconut oil too, but was told by the dietician that it was pure saturated fat. Sod him I'm still eating it.

 

[Serena51]

When I was last at the lipid clinic, my consultation had a fit when I said I used coconut oil as he said it was really bad for the heart and cholesterol. He told me it would be better to use lard. I agreed that it would be lard, butter and olive oil from now on ... of course I am still using my organic coconut oil !!

 

[borofergie]

Why avoid Olive Oil Stephen? I understand about corn oil etc but don't quite get this.(Simple explanation if you please )

Olive Oil is mainly monounsaturated, which is much better than polyunsaturated, but it still contains on average 10% linoleic acid, which is an omega-6 oil. The ideal ratio between omega 6 fats and omega 3 fats in your diet is about 4:1, but most people in the west eat a ratio of about 20:1, which is very, very, bad.

For this reason I also prefer to eat grass fed animals (like sheep or cows) over grain fed animals (like pigs or chickens).

 

[Maddiemo1]

I never take any notice of diatitions, I have seen quite a few and they really are useless. One of them was picking my brains about food intolerance once.
I'm sticking to olive oil and coconut oil.