Best Oils Guide

The quality of fat our patients are consuming is an important part of their overall health which is oftentimes overlooked in the midst of potassium, phosphorus, sodium, and protein. For heart health and addressing inflammation we know it’s important to increase omega-3 fatty acids, balance our intake of omega-6, while limiting overall saturated fat intake. The more processed and refined an oil is (by using heat and chemical solvents), the more the oil is stripped of natural antioxidants reducing the oxidative stability of the oil. So, using more unrefined, cold or expeller pressed oils is best. 

Many people may still have a difficult time recommending virgin unrefined coconut oil as a healthy fat source in moderation. If interested, check out my blog “Coconut Oil And Kidney Disease: A Healthy Choice?” for an updated take:  https://dialysisdietitian.com/coconut-oil-and-kidney-disease-a-healthy-choice/.

A note about a couple of the Fats To Avoid:

• Lard. Lard does contain less saturated fat than butter, but it is still considered a high saturated fat source and should be limited/avoided. I also think a lot of the lard sold in supermarkets on unrefrigerated shelves has gone through the hydrogenation process, so that is why it is on the Fats To Avoid. 
• Vegetable oil. A highly processed oil. No need to get into the details!

• Palm oil. Palm oil is another high saturated fat source and should be limited/avoided. Another issue with palm oil from an ethical standpoint is that its production leads to huge deforestation affecting not only the environment, but many plant and animal species.

The rest should be pretty self explanatory. I hope you find it useful!