Healthy Food Trend to Try: Specialty Oils

Healthy SELF, SELF Magazine

Sarah-Jane Bedwell, SELF magazine

Oils, once given a bum rap for their fat content, are now nutritional superstars--and foodie favorites, too. Tons of specialty shops surrounding the "rediscovered" condiment have opened as well, including Olive Branch & Grape Vine in New Jersey, which sells over 25 different varietals of just EVOO. Bonus: Often these shops hold special tasting events, so if you find a shop in your area, make sure you try before you buy. But until the day that your town has its own oil shop, we break down some of the newest--and unique--ones on the foodie scene.

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Red Palm Fruit Oil: Rich in powerful antioxidants called tocotrienol and tocopherols (vitamin E), as well as carotenes (vitamin A), red palm fruit oil provides great anti-aging benefits. Plus, since red palm fruit oil has a high smoke point, it's perfect for high-temperature cooking like pan-searing chicken or fish.

Grapeseed Oil: Because grapeseed oil contains compounds called phytosterols, it may help to lower cholesterol levels. It has a light flavor, making it a perfect option for making healthy baked goods like muffins or cakes.

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Pecan Oil: If you love munching on pecans, you'll want to try pecan oil! It's mild nutty flavor makes it perfect for making flavorful salad dressings high in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which help you to absorb the fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) found in the veggies on your salad.

Pumpkin Seed Oil: This oil is often used to treat irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive issues due to its low saturated fat content and healthy balance of fatty acids. It has a rich nutty flavor that is amazing drizzled over vanilla ice cream.

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Rice bran oil: This oil is popular in Japan and is high in cancer-fighting antioxidants. What's more is that studies have shown that these antioxidants remain stable even when the oil is heating to a high temperature, making it the perfect choice for stir-fries.

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