One tablespoon of regular vegetable oil contains 120 calories. Olive oil, especially extra-virgin olive oil, is an immediate no because it’s expensive and has too low a smoke point for anything more than low- to medium-heat cooking. The processing of vegetable oil leaves it lacking in many of the healthy micronutrients and plant compounds that may otherwise be found in the plants used to make it. Olive oil may contain BHT, should be non-GMO. The three types of olive oil are extra virgin, virgin and pure olive. This article explains the differences between them. The use of light oils is recommended when cooking at high temperatures. Vegetable oil, corn oil, and canola oil are all extremely useful. The taste varies by region, altitude, time of harvest, process of extraction and other factors. The smoke point of olive oil varies from 215° to 242° (extra virgin, having a lower smoke point than the lighter version). All rights reserved. Coconut oil has the highest content of saturated fat (92%). The smoke point of olive oil is lower than regular vegetable oil and varies from 215° to 242° (extra virgin having a lower smoke point than the lighter version). These numbers are approximate; there is a slight variation depending upon the source of data. What oils are great for seasoning cast iron? It’s also high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can contribute to inflammation. © 2005-2020 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Oils with a low smoke point are best suited to little or no heat (making them good for salad dressings and dips). Canola oil and olive oil are two of the most popular cooking oils worldwide. Its taste and aroma is typical to the region it comes from. Olive oil and vegetable oil have similar smoke points. Vegetable oils tend to have much higher smoke points than olive oil, so they can be used for high-heat recipes … Because blends of vegetable oil are so variable, so are smoke points. This is apparent when comparing minimally processed extra virgin olive oil, which boasts a distinct olive taste, with vegetable oil, which tends to offer a generic, neutral flavor. These types can be broadly categorized into nut oils (cashew oil and hazelnut oil), oils from seeds (sunflower seed oil), and other sources. Choose a neutral fat with a high smoke point like peanut, corn, or vegetable oil, and heat it until it just starts smoking before adding your meat. This article takes a detailed look at the cooking properties of olive oil. On the other hand, the refining process used to make vegetable oil destroys micronutrients, antioxidants, and beneficial plant compounds, including tocopherols, phytosterols, polyphenols, and coenzyme Q (11, 12). The smoke point of vegetable oils vary and are higher for oils used for frying like canola oil (smoke point 242°), and safflower oil (smoke point 265°). What it is: Olive oil comes from pressing whole olives. All You Need to Know. Vegetable Oil: What’s Healthiest? Algae oil vs. olive oil vs. avocado oil The International Olive Council (IOC), the authority on olive oil, recommends the following temperatures for frying in olive oil. For example, the antioxidant and polyphenolic compounds in olive oil have been extensively researched for their heart health benefits (7, 14, 15, 16). Thus, more processing is required to remove impurities and create a neutral-flavored blend. For example, a poor quality olive oil with high acidity has a low smoke point, but a fresh New Zealand olive oil with low acidity has a high smoke point. It is believed to decrease in the rate of heart disease due to its high content of monosaturated fatty acids such s oleic acids. Unlike extra virgin olive oil, highly refined olive oil is similar to vegetable oil in that it offers minimal, if any, micronutrients. They are both often used for baking, frying, and sautéing. Olive oil is made from pressed olives, with extra virgin versions being the least processed and retaining the most beneficial compounds. Pure olive oil is a term given to a blend of virgin and refined olive oil. In contrast, vegetable oil is made by mixing oils from different sources, such as canola, cottonseed, sunflower, soybean, corn, and safflower. Plant oils are a common pantry staple often used for cooking practices like sautéing or frying vegetables, making sauces, drizzling onto pizzas, and preventing pasta from sticking together. Many studies show that it is actually fairly resistant to heat. At 460℉ (238℃), canola oil has a higher smoke point than either regular or extra virgin olive oil — 410℉ (210℃) and 383℉ (195℃), respectively (11, 12). < >. All oils are best stored in cool and dry place, far from areas exposed to sunlight. Furthermore, the smoke point of olive oil is comparable, and in some cases higher than, common cooking oils such as soybean, sunflower, peanut, canola and corn oils. If you’re looking for a healthier option, there are several vegetable oil substitutes to choose from. Below are some of the main differences between olive oil and vegetable oil: Once plant oils have been extracted, they’re typically cleaned with chemicals and heated to remove impurities and prolong their shelf life. The smoke point of vegetable oils vary and are higher for oils used for frying, like canola oil (smoke point 242°), and safflower oil (smoke point 265°). Olive oil is extracted from olives (Olea europaea; family Oleaceae), a traditional crop of the Mediterranean region. Thus, an easy way to make sure you grab a flavor-packed oil from the shelves that also retains some nutrients is to look for these phrases. Its anti-oxidative properties (contributed by presence of polyphenols in the oil) also help lower the cholesterol level in the blood. While olive oil and vegetable oils have different culinary uses, the healthiest option is extra virgin olive oil, which is the least processed and offers the most beneficial compounds. The smoke point of light olive oil is comparable or higher than other types of oil you might use in a stir-fry, including a vegetable oil blend (428 F smoke point), sunflower oil (450 F smoke point), refined peanut oil (450 smoke point), and avocado oil (520 F smoke point). This means it has minimal beneficial nutrients, leaving just empty calories. Olive oil could be extra-virgin, virgin, light/pure, or blended. Canola Oil vs. Here are 11 health benefits of olive oil, that are supported by…, Vegetable and seed oils are highly processed oils that are easily damaged during cooking. Vegetable oils can be edible or non-edible. Last medically reviewed on August 31, 2020. Olive oil has a relatively low smoke point, so it’s not a good choice for the grill or high-heat searing, says Dudash. Toasted Sesame, Walnut, and Other Nuts: Smoke points vary by type of nut and level of refinement; best when left unheated and used in vinaigrettes or as a finishing oil. Only refined avocado oil has a higher smoke point at 520°F (270°C). This means it retains the most antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. A refined or light olive oil will have a higher smoke point than an extra virgin oil, and would be the best choice for frying in olive oil. Vegetable oils like canola oil contain lower amount of saturated fat, and are less expensive compared to olive oil. T… The smoke point of olive oil is lower than regular vegetable oil and varies from 215° to 242° (extra virgin having a lower smoke point than the lighter version). Neutral flavor. Just like vegetable oil, some types of olive oil are highly processed, including pomace oil. This article tells you whether canola oil is healthy. The smoke point for cooking oils varies greatly. Olive oil and vegetable oil differ in how they’re made, their best culinary uses, flavors, and nutritional composition. Trying to find the healthiest cooking oil can be a daunting task. This helps lower LDL and raise HDL levels, and makes the arterial walls more elastic. One one hand, you want to cook with an oil that has a high flash (smoke) point, but you also need to use a cooking oil that has a healthy balance of Omega 3 to Omega 6 fatty acids--and even better if the oil is loaded with antioxidants and vitamins! Vegetable oil has a higher smoke point than olive oil, so it's better to use when cooking at high temperatures. But they actually have different…. Refined and lite olive oils undergo chemical reining methods, and are as healthy compared to the other types of olive oil. This is why some will mix an oil with butter in a pan before searing something, this allows the lower smoke point oil/fat to reach a higher than usual smoke point. The smoke point of oil is the temperature at which it starts burning. Olive oil and vegetable oil blends tend to have similar smoke points, sitting around 400°F (205°C). You may have heard that olive oil has a low smoke point and should not be used for frying, but according to The Olive Oil Times, high quality extra virgin olive oil has a smoke point of about 410 degrees Fahrenheit. Olive oil, vegetable oil, sunflower oil, and grapeseed oil are all great multipurpose cooking oils—you can use them for everything from sautéing to baking. Additionally, the act of heating oil produces more free fatty acid which, in turn, lowers the smoke point. Many people are concerned about canola oil's health effects and production methods. The exception is olive oil which is closer in smoke point to butter depending on the level of refinement and brand. One study found that replacing vegetable oil with extra virgin olive oil improved cognitive function in older adults (17). Extra virgin oil is the most expensive. Complete Guide to Cooking Oils & Smoke Points Oils & Fats Fahrenheit Celsius Neutral Flavor? There are several things to keep in mind, including how stable these oils are when they're heated. Olive is known to be rich in vitamins and minerals due to its non-chemical mode of extraction. Typically vegetable-derived oils have a higher smoke point than animal-based fats. Canola oil, another so-called vegetable oil, is flavorless like peanut oil and vegetable oil, but it stinks to high heaven when reheated. Refined olive oils don’t include “virgin” or “extra virgin” on the label, indicating their higher degree of processing. Olive oil is a common cooking oil obtained from olives used all over the world, especially in the Mediterranean. Olive oil, because of its spectrum of formulations and levels of filtration, has a pretty wide range when it comes to smoke point. It is high in monounsaturated fatty acids. According to the North American Olive Oil Association, extra virgin olive oil's smoke point is 350 to 410 degrees Fahrenheit, and olive oil's smoke point is 390 to 468 degrees Fahrenheit. It depends on the components, origin, and level of refinement for that particular oil. Vegetable oil, on the other hand, undergoes a lot of processing to neutralize its flavor and blend several types of plant oils. (We’re talking fish vibes—pass.) Smoke point: Smoke points vary depending on the type of olive oil: Extra Virgin is 320°F, Virgin is 420°F, Pomace is 460°F, Extra Light is 468°F Other highly flavorful oils such as sesame and coconut oils are used to impart flavor to special dishes. Olive oil and vegetable oils are some of the most popular plant oils used around the world, each displaying unique characteristics. Vegetable: About 400°F, great for frying and sautéing. In Europe, the main producers of olive oil include Spain, Italy, Portugal and Greece. Canola & sunflower oil have the least amount of saturated fats (6% and 9%, respectively), but contain a higher percentage of monosaturated fat (62% and 82% respectively). The degree of processing that an oil undergoes not only affects its flavor but also its nutritional composition. Olive oil is used for cooking, is good for the skin, and has some uses for medicinal purposes as well, such as being used as a laxative or in the preparation of some medications. A detailed guide to healthy cooking oils. Oils like sesame and other unrefined ones should be stored preferably in cold storage, whereas saturated oils like coconut and palm oil can be stored at room temperature. And besides the fact that at this point the oil loses all of the nutritional value, it will be a total waste to use such expensive oil for this type of cooking. We’ve often been puzzled why some recipes specifically call for vegetable oil while others call for olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil — the least processed type of olive oil — is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds like tocopherols, carotenoids, and polyphenols. Olive oil contains 14% of saturated fat and 73% of monosaturated fat and considered the healthiest of all oils for cooking. The Questionable Link Between Saturated Fat and Heart Disease -. A Critical Look, Is Canola Oil Healthy? Vegetable and plant sources like seeds, nuts and fruits. Another thing to consider is how much the oil is refined. 14% saturated fat and 73% monounsaturated fat. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, The 4 Healthiest Substitutes for Vegetable Oil, Blend of fats from multiple plant sources, like sunflower, corn, canola, soy, and safflower, Vitamins K and E, found in higher amounts in extra virgin varieties, Depends on the oil blend, but usually retains minimal trace nutrients after processing, No (the least processed form is extra virgin). Olive oil is the natural oil obtained from olives, the fruit of the olive tree. While not in vogue these days, almost all other common cooking oils and fats have lower smoke points, too. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. If you choose to include plant oils in your diet, minimally processed extra virgin olive oil is the healthier choice when compared with vegetable oil. Virgin olive oil is also obtained from the first pressing of olives, but its acidity level is higher (up to 3.3%) than that of extra virgin. The first ‘good oil’, it varies widely in price and grade. In the oven, keep it to under 375 degrees. Olive oil is extracted from only pressed olives, with extra virgin olive oil being the least processed version. It has a strong flavor and health benefits. The different types of vegetable oils include palm oil, soya bean oil, canola oil, pumpkin seed oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, peanut oil, grape seed oil, sesame oil, argan oil, rice bran oil and some others. As such, the smoke point of extra virgin olive oils can be quite variable. Are Vegetable and Seed Oils Bad for Your Health? That means that if cooking with it at high temperature, it will start to smoke. However, a recent study found that smoke point is not a reliable indicator of a cooking oil's stability. On the other hand, olive oil has a lower smoke point, meaning it's best to use for medium to high heat purposes. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Differences between olive oil and vegetable oil, Similarities between olive and vegetable oil, Healthy Cooking Oils — The Ultimate Guide. Olive oil has a rich, fruity flavor that will give your stove-top popcorn a gourmet flair. Though vegetable oils are used for cooking, other uses include fuel, cosmetics and medicinal and other industrial purposes. It's a myth that you can't cook over high heat using olive oil. They have a smoke point of 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes them ideal for high-heat pan frying and deep frying. Here’s a quick run down of both oils and when you might choose one over the other…Olive oil has a reputation for being the “healthy oil” since it’s rich in monounsaturated fats and some antioxidants. One tablespoon of olive oil contains 120 calories. When it comes to taste for vegetable oil vs olive oil, vegetable oil has practically no taste, which works well when you want all the flavor to come from the The smoke point, also referred to as the burning point, is the temperature at which an oil or fat begins to produce a continuous bluish smoke that becomes clearly visible, dependent upon specific and defined conditions. Olive Oil vs. Canola Oil: Which Is Healthier? If you choose to consume oils, extra virgin olive oil tends to be a much healthier choice than most vegetable oils and vegetable oil blends. Vegetable oil and olive oil are both widely used in cooking. Olive oil, especially extra virgin, is among the least processed cooking oils on the shelves. It’s also worth noting that the more refining an oil undergoes, the fewer micronutrients and healthy compounds it retains (4, 5). The FFA for extra virgin olive oil can range anywhere from very low, about 0.2%, up to the international standard limit of 0.8%. The smoke point of an oil is the temperature to which it can be heated before its fat begins to break down into glycerol and free fatty acids (13). It’s also one of the healthiest oils to use when baking. Minimally refined olive oil also maintains some micronutrients, such as vitamins E and K (6, 7, 8, 9, 10). Olive oil, compared to vegetable oils, has a much lower smoke point. Coconut oil has the highest amount of saturated fat (92%) and mainly used in desserts, and as shortening. Diffen LLC, n.d. Extra virgin olive oil has a smoke point around 375° Fahrenheit, which is low compared to many other common cooking oils like canola oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil. It's best to avoid foods with hydrogenated…. The smoke points for olive oils ranges from about 325°F (extra-virgin olive oil) to about 465°F (extra-light olive oil). It’s monounsaturated and has a high smoke point. Some oils must be used within 6 months after opening whereas others like olive oil last longer from 9 months up to 2-3 years. Edit or create new comparisons in your area of expertise. Is Olive Oil a Good Cooking Oil? Often, the smoke point of olive oil is cited as the reason why olive oil should not be heated or used for cooking. Find out which options are healthy and why. Due to the blended nature of this type, it is less expensive and used in cooking involving high temperatures. While olive oil is derived from olives and tends to be less processed, vegetable oil is usually a blend of several plant oils and highly processed into a neutral-tasting product. Knowing the smoke point of oils is important because heating oil to the point where the oil begins to smoke produces toxic fumes an… Another reason you don’t want to heat your low smoke point oils is you damage all of the benefits of the oil. Canola, corn, cottonseed, peanut, sunflower, and vegetable oil blends can’t compete with algae. You can generally use whatever oil you prefer, as long as the cooking temperature is below the smoke point of the oil. The source of vegetable oil varies according to the type of oil or crop, and sources include the seed of a fruit and nuts. The use of light oils is recommended when cooking at high temperatures. Smoke Point ºF Smoke Point °C; Refined Avocado Oil: 520ºF: 270°C: Safflower Oil: 510ºF: 265ºC: Rice Bran Oil: 490ºF: 254ºC: Refined or Light Olive Oil: 465ºF: 240ºC: Soybean Oil: 450ºF: 232ºC: Peanut Oil: 450ºF: 232ºC: Ghee or Clarified Butter: 450ºF: 232ºC: Corn Oil: 450ºF: 232ºC: Refined Coconut Oil: 450ºF: 232ºC: Safflower Oil: 440ºF: 227ºC: Refined Sesame Oil: 410ºF: 210ºC: Vegetable Oil: 400 … This process removes impurities that contribute to smoking, which increases the smoke point. Canola and sunflower oil have the least amount of saturated fats (6% and 9%, respectively), and contain a higher percentage of monosaturated fat (62% and 82% respectively), and is a preferred choice, only second to olive oil. The ones used for cooking are mostly derived from one particular plant source or may be a blend of two or more oils. If you read this far, you should follow us: "Olive Oil vs Vegetable Oil." Different vegetable oils have different percentages of saturated, monosaturated and polysaturated fat. The smoke point of vegetable oils vary and are higher for oils used for frying, like canola oil (smoke point 242°), and safflower oil (smoke point 265°). Monounsaturated fats have been found to have anti-inflammatory and heart-health benefits, whereas omega-6 polyunsaturated fats can be pro-inflammatory and harm heart health if eaten in excess (1, 2, 3). Olive oil has a relatively lower smoke point compared to other oils, so it’s best for low and medium-heat cooking. While both olive and vegetable oils contain unsaturated fatty acids, olive oil contains higher amounts of monounsaturated fats like oleic acid, linoleic acid, and palmitic acid. This article looks at the differences between olive oil and vegetable oil, including their best uses, taste, nutrition, and potential health benefits. Because of its perfect balance in taste aroma and color, it is used in dressings and also served with bread. The downfall? This type comes from the first cold press, and has the lowest acidity levels (less than 1%) of the three types. 26 Dec 2020. Diffen.com. While it's used all over the world, it is the primary cooking oil used in the Mediterranean. People often consider deep-fried foods unhealthy, but it depends partially on the type of oil used. The smoke point tends to increase as free fatty acid content decreases and the level of refinement increases. Vegetable oil is a highly refined blend of neutral oils that’s high in pro-inflammatory fats and lacks micronutrients. Go with light olive oil rather than extra-virgin which has a low smoke point. The different types of vegetable oils include palm oil, soya bean oil, canola oil, pumpkin seed oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, peanut oil, grape seed oil, sesame oil, argan oil, rice bran oil and some others. Canola and vegetable oil may seem interchangeable. They also don’t carry a strong flavor the way that peanut, sesame, and olive oils do. These types lack micronutrients, as well as the characteristic flavor that you get from extra virgin olive oil, featuring instead a more neural taste (6). In some religions like Christianity and Judaism, olive oil is used as a symbol for healing. Some studies suggest that they can cause harm and contribute…, Hydrogenation is a process in which a liquid unsaturated fat is turned into a solid fat by adding hydrogen. The more processing an oil undergoes, the fewer nutrients and less flavor it maintains. Major producers of olive oil include countries in Southern Europe, North Africa and Near East. When you don’t have olive oil on hand, many people turn to vegetable oils, since they are not only less expensive, but also more versatile in cooking. Olive oil and vegetable oil blends tend to have similar smoke points, sitting around 400°F (205°C). Swapping vegetable oil for olive oil may also benefit brain health. Along with a clear appearance, there is a typical neutral taste and odor to refined oils.For example, as light olive oil is a refined oil, it has a higher smoke point of 486 degrees Fahrenheit than extra virgin olive oil, which is non-refined and has a lower smoke point of 410 degrees Fahrenheit. The range is typically between 350⁰ - 410⁰ F. Refined oils like olive oil have very low FFA and thus more consistently higher smoke points. Web. Vegetable oil contains mostly omega-6 polyunsaturated fats (1). Contrary to popular belief, you can even sauté vegetables with extra virgin olive oil. Fat Quality Smoke point; Almond oil: 221 °C: 430 °F: Avocado oil: Refined: 270 °C: 520 °F: … Extra virgin olive oil, on the other hand, retains several trace vitamins and minerals and is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory monounsaturated fatty acids that may benefit heart and brain health. The smoke point of oil is the temperature at which it starts burning.