CHOOSING THE RIGHT OILS TO MANAGE YOUR OSTEOARTHRITIS

If you have osteoarthritis, a well-balanced diet is especially important in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and weight. And that's why it’s important to know the differences between cooking oils.
 

Each type of oil contains a different combination of monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and saturated fats. Many oils contain heart-friendly omega-3 fatty acids – monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, in particular, are recommended for their health benefits, such as lowering your risk of heart disease and stroke. Oils also have different smoking points and hence vary in their suitability for high-temperature cooking.
 

How some common oils compare
 

It’s important to choose the right oil that matches the food you are preparing. No single oil is the best choice in all situations.
 

Olive oil:

• Has the highest level of monounsaturated fats
• Contains antioxidants to help protect against cancer and heart disease
• Is suitable for dressings, marinades and low-to-medium-heat cooking

Canola oil

• Is high in monounsaturated fat
• Is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids
• Is suitable for high-heat cooking

Peanut oil

• Is mostly monounsaturated
• Is suitable for high-heat cooking

Sunflower oil

• Is available in both high-polyunsaturated and high-monounsaturated fat versions
• Is suitable for low, medium and high-heat cooking

Corn oil

• Is high in polyunsaturated fat
• Is suitable for high-heat cooking

Grapeseed oil

• Is high in polyunsaturated fat
• Is a rich source of vitamin E
• Is a multi-purpose oil

Vegetable oils

• Generally contain a blend of oils

Coconut oil and palm oil

• Contain high levels of saturated fat and are not recommended