Using healthy oils in your kitchen - a practical guide

It can make a huge difference in our health if we simply replace refined oils, such as rapeseed, sunflower, or vegetable oils, with healthy fats. In addition to cardiovascular health, skin conditions may be improved and digestion can become better regulated.

Trans fats and the lymphatic system

Trans-fatty acids in many shop-bought and baked goods are harmful to the lymphatic system because they bypass the liver's route of detoxification and enter the bloodstream from the lymphatic vessels. It can lead to a buildup of unhealthy fats in the lymphatic vessels, which can clog them up and affect heart health. This all has a negative impact on how your body absorbs nutrients and how your lymphatic system functions to remove toxins from the body.

Healthy fats keep the lymphatic system of the body healthy by reducing inflammation and boosting immune functions and detoxification. These fats also facilitate toxin removal by increasing the bioavailability of fat-soluble vitamins, namely A, D, E, and K, in order to ensure good health through a lymphatic system.

Healthy fats for healthy skin

The skin barrier needs healthy levels of fats to stay healthy and well hydrated. For example, essential fatty acids, like Omega-3 and Omega-6, contribute to a healthy skin barrier and reduce inflammatory processes. A good source is flaxseed oil, which is ideal for dressings but not suitable for cooking at very high heat (e.g. frying). Additionally, Vitamin E and other antioxidants within healthy fats such as flaxseed, protect the skin from oxidative stress and support skin repair. Olive oil is another great example of a fat rich in vitamins that can wonderfully benefit your skin, both from dietary intake and topical application.

Avoiding harmful byproducts for cardiovascular health 

Keep in mind that excessive heating of oils can be bad for your health due to the formation of harmful substances like acrylamide and free radicals. Therefore, it can be said these fats improve your heart health through reduction of bad cholesterol, at the same time improving blood pressure and reducing the risk of possible heart diseases or stroke. In addition to cardiovascular health, intake of healthy fats can help to maintain brain function and lower the risk of mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. 

We have explored practical advice to smoothly introduce healthy oils to your kitchen, discussing why beneficial fats help to give you glowing skin, a happy lymphatic system, a well-functioning cardiovascular system, along with many other long term health benefits.

Ready to upgrade your kitchen? Explore Healf for healthy cooking oils and kitchen essentials