12 Oils Ranked by Health Effect

Summary

In this insightful video, Mike ranks cooking oils from least to most healthy using a unique 'oil algorithm' that evaluates fatty acid composition, antioxidant potential, and various health effects. Starting with the least healthy options like butter and palm kernel oil, he moves through oils such as avocado and canola, ultimately highlighting flaxseed oil as the healthiest choice. While discussing the benefits and drawbacks of each oil, he emphasizes the importance of moderation due to their high caloric content, urging viewers to consider both health benefits and potential risks when incorporating oils into their diets.

Takeaways

• 😀 Oils vary significantly in health effects; not all oils are equally unhealthy.
• 😀 The 'oil algorithm' evaluates oils based on fatty acid composition, antioxidant potential, and health impacts.
• 😀 Butter is ranked as the least healthy fat, even worse than most oils.
• 😀 Palm kernel oil and coconut oil are both high in saturated fats, which can raise LDL cholesterol levels.
• 😀 Palm oil (from the fruit) is slightly better than palm kernel oil but still has negative health effects.
• 😀 Soybean oil contains omega-6 fatty acids but can impair artery function.
• 😀 Avocado oil is popular but has poor antioxidant capacity and limited research on health impacts.
• 😀 Refined olive oil has some health benefits but is associated with mixed results in studies.
• 😀 Extra virgin olive oil shows positive health benefits but still presents some risks due to its saturated fat content.
• 😀 Flaxseed oil is the healthiest option due to high omega-3 content, but it shouldn't be heated.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video?

The video aims to rank cooking oils from least healthy to healthiest based on various health metrics and studies.

What criteria did the creator use for ranking the oils?

The ranking was based on fatty acid composition, antioxidant potential, and health effects, utilizing an 'oil algorithm' developed by the creator.

Why is butter mentioned as the worst option?

Butter is noted for having a high level of saturated fat and low antioxidants, making it worse than the oils discussed.

How does palm kernel oil compare to palm oil?

Palm kernel oil is worse than palm oil due to its higher saturated fat content (about 80%) and mediocre antioxidant properties.

What are the health concerns associated with coconut oil?

Coconut oil also has a high saturated fat content (around 80%), which can significantly raise LDL cholesterol levels, second only to butter.

What makes avocado oil notable among cooking oils?

Avocado oil has a low saturated fat level (around 12%) and a high smoke point (520 degrees), but it has a poor antioxidant score and limited research on its health effects.

Why is canola oil considered a controversial option?

Canola oil is low in saturated fat and has beneficial omega-3s, but it has been linked to potential negative effects in some studies, creating a mixed health profile.

What is the significance of extra virgin olive oil in the ranking?

Extra virgin olive oil has higher antioxidant content than regular olive oil and is associated with lower mortality from heart disease, but it also has some negative effects on artery function.

How does flaxseed oil rank among other oils?

Flaxseed oil is ranked the healthiest due to its high omega-3 content and low saturated fat, but it cannot be heated and must be stored carefully to avoid oxidation.

What caution does the creator provide regarding oil consumption?

The creator warns that all oils are 100% fat and consuming them in excess can lead to significant calorie intake and potential weight gain, regardless of health benefits.