Questions on oils...

[LadyWulf]

I have been Paleo for about 2.5 months now, and recently I've been doing a bit more research on cooking oils. I currently use olive oil for pretty much everything, but it seems olive oil shouldn't really be used for cooking. So, I'm looking for other options.

I've been considering coconut oil or palm oil. But I have a few questions.

As far a weight loss and general health is concerned, would there be any difference in using olive oil, coconut oil or palm oil? Which one would be considered the best?

What about the taste - would coconut oil give the food it is cooked with a coconut taste? What about palm oil?

Also, I do have a mild allergic reaction to coconut. I have read that coconut oil usually does not cause an allergic reaction, but I'm wondering if there's anyone else here who may also be allergic to coconut that has tried it?

What about sesame oil - is it any good?

I'd love any feedback and opinions on this.

[Kerry]

Olive oil has a low smoke point and it goes rancid when used at high temps..
Coconut oil and palm oil have very high smoke points.. Could you use butter? Or maybe ghee??
What are you're side effects of the coconut oil? Sometimes people experience die off from it..
If you are worried about flavor you could use cold pressed expeller coconut oil. Cold pressed sesame oil is wonderful but very flavorful, Perry good when making things with an Asian flair...

[buttoni]

Do bear in mind if you decide to try palm oil, which I've recently done, it will discolor your dish yellow. It is naturally red, which translates into yellow when added to foods. The flavor is distinctive, slightly nutty taste. I find I like it best in curries and spicier dishes. There the discoloration isn't so psychologically noticeable, since turmeric also discolors yellow. See post #104 in this thread to see what I mean about the color, and bear in mind there is only about 1-2 tsp. of the palm oil in this dish: Paleo recepies....

[LadyWulf]

Well, the only issues I've had with coconut in the past has been with the coconut meat. If I eat something with coconut meat in it, I get a small amount of tingling on my tongue - nothing else. I've done a bit of research and it seems that people who have coconut allergies do not usually have any issues with coconut oil. Since my allergy is very mild, I decided to give it a try. I bought some coconut oil while out grocery shopping two days ago and have been using it. I've not had any issues with it at all and so far I'm really liking it. Thanks for the input!

[buttoni]

So glad you found you tolerate coconut oil OK. It's sooooooo good for you nutritionally!

[avid]

A google search of "smoke point of cooking oils" reveals a number of sites that list the smoke points of various cooking oils. After reviewing a number of these charts it seems that Olive oil has a HIGHER smoke point than coconut oil.
I use olive oil all the time in the microwave and have never noted any smoke.
I understand the zeal for coconut oil, It's healthy and I like the taste. But Olive oil is a beautiful oil that's not just for salads.
See this article "heart healthy oils" from the cleveland clinic

Heart-Healthy Cooking: Oils 101

[Cuthbert]

Tropical Traditions has a fragrance free version of coconut oil that is still organic and expeller pressed. Might check the website for that. I have been using it for quite a while and find it works well and is a little cheaper too. I find that getting some pork fat from the pastured pork supplier I use and rendering it gives me a high smoke point fat that tastes phenomenal in just about anything. Heck, I even scoop a bit out with my finger from time to time as a snack.

[buttoni]

That's good to know, Cuthbert. I wasn't aware of their "fragrance free" version. I assume that also means coconut flavor-free?

[Cuthbert]

Originally Posted by buttoni

That's good to know, Cuthbert. I wasn't aware of their "fragrance free" version. I assume that also means coconut flavor-free?

Yep!

[buttoni]

Marvelous! I'll be getting me some of that. There are just times I don't want the taste of coconut in a recipe.

[mamasooze]

And speaking of oils, as I looked down my collection in the fridge, my salad tonight will consist of: butter lettuces and arugula, goat cheese, avocado, steamed (cold) green beans, blueberries, walnuts, shallots and sprinkled with hazelnut oil and white balsamic vinegar. How am I doing?

[buttoni]

Sounds like Pure Paleo Paradise, Sooze.

[babajer]

Lady Wulf...your tingling from coconut may be a food allergy. I am allergic to sulfites and have a similar problem. The roof of my mouth feels like "tire tracks", lots of ridges. A real test is monitoring any reaction to a bacon that is high in sulfites. Check the label. Right now I am using Fit and Active Turkey Bacon. Sulfites is last on the ingredient panel. I'm newly serious about this WOE (due to leptin research) and I feel fantastic. I have been around these boards forever and the info is invalueable. Keep up the good work. Oh, BTW, I am fine with coconut oil. No reaction.

[hberi]

Use macadamia oil.