I’m two thirds of the way through my plant based certification course, and one of the topics covered is why oil (of any kind) is so unhealthy.
For a great overview on why no oil is ever “heart healthy” read this article: http://engine2diet.com/the-daily-beet/the-big-oil-post-plus-a-giveaway/
Dr. Esselstyn, quoted in the article, is one of the most respected cardiologists in the country. His son Rip founded Engine 2 to spread the whole foods, plant based message to the masses after Dr. Esselstyn discovered they could reverse heart disease by switching patients to a whole foods, plant based diet with no nuts and NO oil. (Nuts in moderation for people who aren’t heart patients are fine: http://www.dresselstyn.com/site/)
Olive oil, coconut oil, grape seed, canola, they’re all destructive to the endothelial lining of your arteries and they all put you at higher risk for heart disease. They’re high calorie, highly processed foods lacking in nutrients, and they’re EVERYWHERE.
I’ve been doing better at cooking without oil, but discovering it’s hard to avoid in processed foods. It’s in my no-sugar-added peanut butter, whole grain crackers, hummus, and pasta sauce. It’s in the whole grain pizza dough in my freezer. I’m not buying junk food, but I’m not oil free, either.
I want to start reading labels a bit more carefully and perhaps making some additional things from scratch. It’s fun to make nut butters at home and simmer sauces on the stove. Little changes, like buying a different brand, will add up over time.
Every bit of oil you eliminate from your diet will reduce the negative impact on your arteries.
Here are some great tips for cooking without oil: http://www.straightupfood.com/blog/2012/05/23/cooking-without-oil/