Looking out for your heart health is one of the most important steps to leading a long, healthy life. And while there are some relatively obvious culprits of heart issues that we’re all better off avoiding as much as possible (such as cigarettes, red meat, smoking, and more), there are a few cooking ingredients that sometimes go overlooked when considering the damage they could do to your cardiovascular system. For example, while oil is a frequently used cooking ingredient, many of the options out there can actually be detrimental to your heart if you’re not careful.
To shed some light on a few of the worst oils out there for your heart, we spoke to dietitian Krutika Nanavati. She told us that palm oil, coconut oil, and corn oil are among the worst offenders. Read on to learn more about the risks of each.
1. Palm Oil
Saturated fats can be very bad for your health. Unfortunately, in addition to sneaking into a range of processed foods, these types of fats are also rampant in palm oil.
"Palm oil has a high saturated fat content, which can contribute to higher levels of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) in our bodies," Nanavati warns. "Over time, increased LDL cholesterol can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, narrowing them and potentially leading to heart disease." Yikes! You're better off leaving the palm oil on the shelf.
2. Coconut oil
Coconut oil may be able to do wonders for your hair, but Nanavati warns against cooking with it, especially if your heart health is a priority.
"Although coconut oil has been touted for its health benefits, it's important to note that it contains a high proportion of saturated fats--nearly 82%," she tells us. "Studies have shown that excessive consumption of such fats can increase the risk of coronary heart disease by raising the level of cholesterol in the blood." Say it ain't so!
3. Corn Oil
Corn oil is another popular option that Nanavati recommends avoiding as much as possible due to the types of fat it contains.
"Corn oil is high in omega-6 fatty acids, which in excess can cause inflammation in the body and imbalance the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3," she says. "This imbalance, with a dominance of omega-6, is believed to contribute to heart disease. While omega-6 fatty acids are not inherently bad, the modern Western diet tends to include too many of these fats and not enough omega-3 fatty acids, creating an unhealthy balance." Got it!
The bottom line
Ultimately, limiting your intake of vegetable oils like these and others is one great step to take towards a healthier heart. Choosing healthier alternatives, like olive oil, can make a significant difference, especially when combined with consistent heart-healthy habits. Your body will thank you!
READ MORE: 3 Things To Stop Doing Because They Could Lead To Heart Disease
