COOKING OIL

Confused about choosing the right cooking oil: A guide to Sunflower oil (زيت دوار الشمس), Corn oil (زيت الذرة), Vegetable oil (زيت نباتي) and Afia oil (زيت عافية). 

Are you one of those types who oscillates while deciding the appropriate cooking oil for use in the kitchen? Do you spend extra time in the shopping mall while going through labels like “heart healthy” and “free of cholesterol” etc? Not to worry, you are simply one of those who are confused while zeroing in on the cooking oil which seems perfect for you. It shall be of help to know that different cooking oils have different benefits and it is important to choose the right cooking oil depending on the type of usage and health benefit. This article simplifies things for you in order to clear your discomfort. Read on!

Sunflower oil (زيت دوار الشمس):

As the name implies, Sunflower oil (زيت دوار الشمس) is extracted from sunflower seeds and is one of the most popular cooking oils used worldwide. It has a high smoke point and so you can use it for different cooking methods which include frying, baking, and sauteing. It has a neutral taste which shall ensure that the natural flavors used in your cooking are left undisturbed. Healthwise, Sunflower oil (زيت دوار الشمس) is rich in vitamin E and contains essential fatty acids which support heart health and help in lowering bad cholesterol levels.

Corn oil (زيت الذرة): 

Well, Corn oil (زيت الذرة) happens to be another popular cooking oil choice of many. It is derived from the germ of corn kernels and is quite versatile. This implies that you can freely use it for baking, grilling and frying. Additionally, Corn oil (زيت الذرة) contains a balanced ratio of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats which helps in the reduction of cholesterol levels and makes it a heart-healthy option.

Vegetable oil (زيت نباتي): 

Now, what is Vegetable oil (زيت نباتي) made of? It is a generic term which is used to describe blended oils which have been sourced from various plant sources like soybean, sunflower, canola and palm oil. If you are looking at an affordability parameter, then it makes a good choice as they are quite affordable and widely available. From a cooking perspective, you can use Vegetable oil (زيت نباتي) for light to medium-heat cooking methods which include sauteing, baking, and grilling. Lastly, while choosing this option do check its specific composition, since some blends might contain higher levels of saturated fats.

Afia oil (زيت عافية): 

If you have not tried Afia oil (زيت عافية), you can definitely do so once. It has gained sufficient popularity for its health-conscious approach which is based on the blending ratio between its constituents namely sunflower oil, corn oil, soybean oil, and canola oil. As it has a high smoke point it is ideal for frying, deep-frying, and grilling. As Afia oil (زيت عافية) is a blend of different healthier oils, the combination provides a rich source of essential fatty acids which include omega-3 and omega-6 which are of vital importance for maintaining overall health.

Conclusion:

If you are going through these lines, chances are that by now you have a fair idea of the different cooking oil mediums and their inherent advantages. Cooking different cuisines is a very diverse universe. Hence, the oil type plays a very important role in creating the meal which is perfect from the taste and health point of view. Broadly speaking if you are too health conscious you can go for Sunflower oil (زيت دوار الشمس)  and Afia oil (زيت عافية). If you are looking for affordability and versatility, you need not look beyond Vegetable oil (زيت نباتي) and Corn oil (زيت الذرة). Happy cooking!