S
o many cooking oils are
available, each promoting
different health benefits.
While you only need small
amounts, fats are an important
part of a wholesome diet, as
they help with the absorption
of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D,
E and K) and provide us with
essential fatty acids such as
linoleic (omega-6) and linolenic
acid (omega-3). These fats are
called ‘essential’ because our
body can’t make them, but we
need them for good health as
they help reduce inflammation
and blood clotting, and promote
immunity and healthy skin.
While a healthy diet can vary
in the amount of fat it contains
(both low-fat vegan diets and
Mediterranean diets high in
healthy fats have been shown to
have health benefits) it’s the
type of fats we eat that matter.
While it’s best to get most
of your fat from whole plant
foods such as nuts, seeds and
avocados, if you use oil here’s
what you need to know.GOOD
OIL
Confused about which fats
are best for your health? DL
dietitian and diabetes educator
Dr Kate Marsh weighs up
the options with her handy
guide to cooking oils
THE
130 JULY/AUGUST 2017 diabetic living