- The next step in our learning how to saute food is choosing which oil we would like to cook in.
- There are at least a dozen choices out there…each of which not only affects the final taste of your food, but also your health—even more so as a diabetic.
- Let’s take a look at some of these choices, starting with the most commonly used—or at least the most commonly used cooking oil in my own house—olive oil.
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Olive Oil
The What
- Most of us think that about huge bottle of olive oil that we hide under the sink with the other bottles—such as rum and vodka—that we might want to have close at hand.
- And most of us think that olive oil is olive oil—never having any variety as far as flavor–ranging in flavor from fruity to peppery,, viscosity, and color.
- Some of the olive oils found around the world that can make you change your mind about all olive oil’s tasting the same include…
- Badia, ..a great, inexpensive well-rounded olive oil from Spain, found in many supermarkets.
- Ravida…a brightly-colored green Italian olive oil with a pungent taste that stands up well to the robust flavor of Sicilian cooking
- Terra Medi…a smooth, well-rounded, and not too heavy olibr oil from Greece
- Unió…a mild and fruity olive oil from Spain with a soft peppery finish
The Why
- Olive oil is considered by many to be the healthiest of all the cooking oils, mainly for helping to reduce the risks of heart-related conditions.
- As far as diabetics are concerned, olive oil is a good choice because olive oil helps improve the sensitivity of the body towards insulin.
- Olive oil is also rich in antioxidants and monounsaturated fats.
Almond Oil…Another cooking oil that can be used to saute your foods is almond oil.
Nutrients...Almond oil is not only a good source of monounsaturated fats, but also a rich source of nutrients—including potassium, zinc, vitamin E, manganese, and magnesium.
Benefits…
- can help you lose weight and prevent weight gain
- can reduce your risk of colon cancer.
- decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease
- helps fight inflammation in the body
- helps naturally regulate blood sugar levels
- keeps you feeling full, which helps to prevent snacking and overeating
- may also work as a natural laxative, relieving constipation and IBS
- naturally reduces cholesterol levels
- promotes the flow of oxygen and nutrients through the blood
- reduces the risk of heart disease
