Lower Your Cholesterol and Boost Your Health With This Superfood Oil

When it comes to the kitchen, there are a few pantry staples you simply can’t do without flour, eggs, sugar, salt, and oil.

For a long time, olive has proved the oil of choice, but in recent years, many new plant-derived oils have gained popularity in the market. 

Versatile and delicious, grapeseed oil is cementing itself as the new go-to. Delicate in flavor and packed with benefits, grapeseed oil is as great to cook with as it is when used for maintaining a healthy diet.

Considering making the swap? Here are five reasons to start incorporating grapeseed oil into your diet, stat.

Grapeseed oil is a source of omega 3s and 6s.

You probably already know a thing or two about fatty acids — they’re the ‘good’ types of fat that can help lower the risk of heart disease, dementia, and arthritis — but did you know that pure grapeseed oil is actually a rich source of the essential fatty acids omega 3 and 6?

Packed full of the necessary unsaturated fats, grapeseed oil is a great way to up your daily omega intake — no extra fish oil supplements required! However, like any type of fat, be sure to consume the oil in moderation.

It goes with everything.

It may come from the same fruit that produces rich and robust wines, but grapeseed oil is actually light in both fragrance and taste. Unlike other cooking oils on the market (read: olive and sesame oil), has a very neutral flavor and actually helps to bring out the flavors of the foods you cook with, making it the perfect base for both fajitas and curries.

One hundred percent natural and non-addictive, Azalea Grapeseed Oil also serves as a great alternative to butter when baking, not just because of its taste, but because of its light consistency — meaning a fluffy cake batter every time! 

Side bonus: the oil is also an ideal emulsifier for condiments like homemade mayonnaise and Hollandaise sauce.

The oil is filled with naturally occurring antioxidants.

A buzz word in the health world, antioxidants provide protection against cellular and tissue damage caused by free radicals in the body. With such powerful properties, antioxidants should be incorporated into our diets every day.

While berries and green leafy vegetables prove antioxidant-rich, they aren’t the most powerful sources of the substance. Containing both polyphenols and flavonoids — extremely strong antioxidant compounds! For an instant boost, try drizzling the oil over salads and soups.

It has a high smoke point.

When it comes to frying and grilling, you need an oil that is going to withstand the high temperatures of the pan. While olive oil proves a popular choice for both frying-up steak and sautéed vegetables, the low smoke point of the oil can create unpleasant odors in your kitchen.

With an ability to withstand higher temperatures, is a more suitable choice when frying. With a smoking point of 455 degrees Fahrenheit, you can rest assured (or cook assured) knowing your food’s flavor will remain and your oil will retain its beneficial nutrients.

Grapeseed oil may help lower cholesterol levels.

While cholesterol is an important fat for metabolic purposes, high levels of cholesterol in your bloodstream can actually be detrimental to your heart health and can even lead to diabetes. It’s important to start considering more heart-friendly food and cooking alternatives.

Top of the list: Not only is the plant-based oil trans-fat free, but it is also low in saturated fats and contains no cholesterol or sodium, making it a healthy alternative to high-cholesterol fats like butter.

This article originally appeared on our sister site, Now to Love.