Most people think of olive oil as being the healthiest of the oils because of it being associated with the Mediterranean diet. Research has shown people who live in the Mediterranean area have a lower risk of heart disease, partly because of what they eat. They eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, a little fish and their fat normally comes from olive oil. Olive oil is a healthy fat because it isn't too high in omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-6 fatty acids, when taken in great amounts, overpowers the anti-inflammatory benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. The real benefit of olive oil is it's high amount of monounsaturated fat (omega-9 fatty acid), which has a neutral effect on our blood lipids.
But back to discussing omega-6 fatty acids overpowering omega-3 fatty acids in the diet - Americans tend to eat almost 12-16 times as many omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3s. Research shows that a 2:1 ratio is far better for us. All the margarine we eat, the crackers, cookies, and cakes made with such oils as corn oil, sunflower or cottonseed oil, contribute to our high intake of omega-6s. Put that together with a low intake of fish, such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, which are high in omega-3s, you can understand why our ratio of the two fats is out of whack.
Because I love the taste of macadamia nuts, when I was in the market the other day, I was happy to find a bottle of macadamia nut oil. What a fantastic flavor it has. And what's even better is knowing that it has an ideal ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids - that is, 1:1 or equal amounts. You can even cook with it because it has such a high smoke point. I "heartily" recommend macadamia nut oil for use in cold dishes, as well as hot dishes. Consider using it on your salads or when you're stir-frying.
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Copyright 2008 - Advantage Diets
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
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2 comments:
Appreciate your positive comments on Macadamia Oil. We are the Hawaiian manufacturer of expeller pressed Macadamia Oils. I would love to send you samples of our specialty oils to try. Please let me know, if that would be alright.
Mahalo-
Barbara B. Gray
Oils of Aloha
Hello Barbara,
I would love to receive samples of other macadamia nut oils you may have. I've loved macadamia nuts for years and years. So, when I stumbled on it in the supermarket, I just had to try it. It does such lovely things to foods. And when looking at its omega profile, I think it even tops olive oil. So I find it unfortunate that the word hasn't spread.
If you send me your email address, I will then write you personally as to where the samples can be sent. Write me at blogger@advantagediets.com, which keeps your email address offline and won't be publicaly viewed.
Thanks so much for getting back to me.
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