Swap These 4 Food Fads with Nutritious Kitchen Staples
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Article by Kevin Quealy and Margot Sanger-Katz
Your Heart Health
(BPT) - With new so-called "healthy" food trends popping up all the time, it's hard to keep track of what's actually good for your health and what's just a fad. Luckily, new research continually shows consumers which fads to ditch and which kitchen staples stand the test of time and should be kept in our diets. For example, did you know that coconut oil, a recent consumer favorite in health and beauty circles, has been found in a new study to increase cholesterol?
If you are looking for simple changes that have a big impact on nutritional health, consider clearing some unhealthy eating habits from your diet. Here are a few health fads that aren't as nutritious as you may have heard, and helpful swaps that can benefit your health.
"Adding corn oil to one's diet, on the other hand, was found by the study to result in better cholesterol levels ...."
Cooking with coconut oil: Over the last few years, coconut oil has gained prominence on grocery store shelves, in the news and on social media. Long considered a multipurpose beauty oil, coconut oil began to make its way into recipes, and consumers hoped its health benefits extended to the kitchen. However, a recent study has found that coconut oil increases cholesterol. Adding corn oil to one's diet, on the other hand, was found by the study to result in better cholesterol levels compared with coconut oil. Similarly, a previous study published in The Journal of Clinical Lipidology found that corn oil can help lower cholesterol two times more than extra virgin olive oil. With a high smoke point, versatile usage and a neutral flavor, corn oil makes a great staple for any pantry.