According to Professor Grootveld of De Montfort University in Leicester, UK, heating cooking oil past its boiling point can lead to its decomposition, oxidation, and the formation of aldehydes and lipid peroxides—all of which increase the risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
Professor Grazyna Cichosz, a renowned Polish nutritionist, also asserted that heating cooking oil above 180 degrees Celsius can lead to the formation of harmful substances that may cause cell structure disorders, gene mutations, and an increased risk of various cancers and immune system disorders.
**Which cooking oils have a high smoke point?**
Based on the above analysis, experts advise against heating cooking oils for extended periods. They also recommend choosing cooking oils with high smoke points for frying or stir-frying (where high heat and very hot oil are typically used before adding vegetables or meat).
Here is a list of cooking oils with high smoke points:
**Rice Bran Oil**
Rice bran oil has a smoke point of 254 degrees Celsius, which is significantly higher than that of coconut oil (177 degrees Celsius) and olive oil (215-225 degrees Celsius, depending on purity). It contains 38% monounsaturated fatty acids, 37% polyunsaturated fatty acids, and 25% saturated fatty acids, making it one of the best choices for high-heat cooking and a healthy option due to its beneficial fat content.
_ Rice bran oil has a high smoke point. (Source: Indiatimes)_
This oil is also rich in B-complex vitamins and powerful antioxidants such as ferulic acid, gamma-oryzanol, and minerals like iron, zinc, and magnesium.
**Sunflower Oil**
Sunflower oil has a smoke point of 246 degrees Celsius.
It is rich in unsaturated fatty acids like omega-6 and omega-9, as well as vitamin E. Research has shown that a diet rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic acid (omega-9), can help improve high cholesterol levels in the body, a risk factor for heart-related diseases.
**Soybean Oil**
Soybean oil has a smoke point of 241 degrees Celsius. It is a healthy choice for high-heat cooking as it is rich in valuable nutrients.
Per 100 grams, soybean oil contains 16 grams of saturated fat, 23 grams of monounsaturated fat, and 58 grams of polyunsaturated fat. It also contains 7-10% of its volume in oil. The oil is rich in essential fatty acids such as alpha-linolenic acid (omega 3), with 51% omega 6 and 23% omega 9, as well as vitamins E and K.
_ Soybean oil is packed with essential nutrients. (Source: Perfectimage)_
**Palm Oil**
Palm oil has a smoke point of 230 degrees Celsius and is another cooking oil that can withstand high temperatures. Its fat composition consists of 50% saturated fat, 40% monounsaturated fat, and 10% polyunsaturated fat. It also contains significant amounts of omega 9, small amounts of omega 6 (linoleic acid), and beta-carotene, as well as vitamins A and E.
Despite its high smoke point and some health benefits, experts advise using palm oil sparingly due to its high saturated fat content.
It is important to remember that even with a high smoke point, vegetable oils can produce harmful substances if overheated for extended periods. Therefore, it is recommended to limit deep-frying, avoid overheating oil, and refrain from reusing frying oil.
**Why does my cooking oil solidify in cold weather? Is it a fake product?**
Many people worry that their cooking oil is of poor quality when it solidifies in cold weather. However, this is a normal physical phenomenon. PGS.TS Le Thi Hong Hao, from the National Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, explains that the freezing point of cooking oil is related to its fatty acid composition. Oils with a higher saturated fat content tend to solidify more easily. Oils rich in unsaturated fats have lower freezing points. The oil’s quality remains unchanged when it solidifies, as it does not undergo any chemical alterations.
_ It is normal for cooking oil to solidify in cold temperatures. (Source: Centrafoods)_
PGS.TS Trinh Le Hung, from the University of Natural Sciences, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, explains that different cooking oils have different “freezing points.” Some oils, like sesame oil, peanut oil, and olein palm oil, solidify within a few minutes of being exposed to low temperatures. Others can withstand lower temperatures for longer, from a few hours to a few days or even weeks, such as soybean oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, and rice bran oil.
According to Mr. Hung, the oil solidifying in cold weather does not affect its quality. However, a good quality oil will not solidify entirely in the bottle.
**Source: VTC News**
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