Ten Best Cooking Oils
Choosing the right oil to go with a particular cooking method is IMPORTANT. Some oils are good for high heat cooking, while others are better for drizzling over soups and salads and nothing more.
According to the American Diabetes Association, American Dietetic Association, and the National Institute of Health, here's a good guide to the healthiest cooking oils.
- Walnut Oil: Good source of omegas 3s; suitable for baking, sauteing at low to medium-high heat, or drizzled on a salad.
(400ºF smoke point)(polyunsaturated) - Flaxseed Oil: Good source of omegas 3s; should NOT be used for cooking over heat; stir into dishes after heating, or use in salad dressings.
(225ºF smoke point)(polyunsaturated) - Canola Oil: Use in baking, sauteing, stir-fry, and in salad dressings.
(425ºF smoke point)(monounsaturated) - Olive Oil: Good for light sauteing, sauces, and dressings.
(325ºF smoke point) (monounsaturated) - Peanut Oil: Good for light sauteing, sauces, and dressings.
(350ºF smoke point)(monounsaturated) - Almond Oil: Good for HIGH heat cooking, sauteing, or frying. Flavor also works well in desserts.
(495ºF smoke point)(monounsaturated) - Avocado Oil: Good for high heat cooking, sauteing, or frying, and in salads.
(510ºF smoke point) (monounsaturated) - Safflower Oil: Good all-purpose oil; high heat cooking, sauteing, or frying.
(450ºF smoke point) (polyunsaturated) - Sunflower Oil: Good for high heat cooking, sauteing, or frying.
(460ºF smoke point)(polyunsaturated) - Corn Oil: Good for light sauteing and sauces.
(320ºF smoke point)(polyunsaturated)





Thank you for publishing this very informative rundown on healthy oils.
One correction is required, however. You list Avocado Oil as Polyunsaturated. Please be aware that it is actually highly Mono-unsaturated (approx 70%, making it one of the highest monounsaturated oils available).
Mono-unsaturated oil has proved to be the healthiest for the human body.
Thank you.
Oh Thank you Neil for catching that typo!
I’ve corrected it now. My notes had it as a monounsaturated, I just typed the wrong word.
I went back over the list, again, and all it right with my source.