Magic features of olive oil are on everyone’s lips. It’s the basis of Mediterranean cuisine and thus, the diet with the same name, it’s a cult food brand itself, no matter where it is produced. Olive oil remains HLS gold yet, do you know that it’s not the only one option to bring some healthy fats to your meals? Moreover, it is quite overvalued and its pricing often gives us goosebumps.

Let’s consider the best vegetable oils you can use instead of olive oil to saturate your meals with usefulness and healthy fats. Lastly, not everyone loves the earthy flavor olive oil is famous with.

#1 – Sunflower Oil

That’s a true sun on your plate! Sunflower oil is the basis of Eastern European cuisines, and its production is now growing due to the combo of neutral flavor and exceptional useful properties. Sunflower oil is produced from fresh sunflower seeds rich in essential oils. The oil is a great source of vitamin A and vitamin E that provide a positive impact on skin and hair. Besides, sunflower oil impacts positively on the cardiovascular system, it decreases bad cholesterol and strengthens the walls of blood vessels. Besides, high-quality deodorized sunflower oil has no intense flavor and it suits all types of meal processing including deep frying and salad seasoning.

#2 – Sesame Oil

Now let’s move from Eastern Europe to South-East Asia. There is a core gem of local cuisines, sesame oil. Made of the finest quality black and white sesame seeds, it has a rich nutty flavor, it can be used as a salad seasoning, yet, we cannot imagine stir-fry dishes or Asian soups without it. As for the HLS basis, sesame oil is considered to be the only essential oil which is consumed by our bodies 100%. It improves blood circulation, restores the balance of minerals, maintains a normal water-lipid balance and restores the protective functions of the epidermis. At last, it brings you maximum pleasure from your meals due to its exceptional taste.

#3 – Pumpkin seeds oil

We love pumpkins and squash as this vegetable is truly of American origin. Yet, except for exclusive taste and multi-purpose use, squash has something more to share with you. Its seeds are real vitamin treasure chests, and pumpkin seed oil saves all these nutrition benefits in full. Pumpkin oil contains a large amount of vitamins (E, A, D and group B), minerals (zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, iron), unsaturated fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6, as well as phytosterols, which have a beneficial effect on hormonal balance and prevent the development of prostatitis and prostate adenoma. Yet, you should know that you shouldn’t heat it. Pumpkin oil is better to use as salad seasoning, appetizer seasoning, or in pastry recipes to substitute butter.

#4 – Nigella Sativa (Black Cumin) Oil

Black cumin is more than a spice used in some local cuisines. It’s a source of extra-quality essential oil which can be even more useful than olive oil. It is produced from Nigella Sativa, a plant which is appreciated in the Middle East, India, and Africa. Cumin oil contains antioxidants and biologically active compounds. The rich composition of the product benefits the health of the skin and hair, helps reduce inflammation and promotes weight loss. Cumin seeds have scientifically proven benefits for health and beauty, thanks to the content of antioxidants and other biologically active compounds. You can add it in small quantities to ready-made meals (cereals, soups, vegetable stew), salads, sauces, and dressings.

#5 - Cottonseed Oil

Here we swipe to Southern states with their cotton plantations. Cotton is more than the so-called “White gold” we wear, it’s also a source of cottonseed oil that is highly appreciated, for example, in the Central Asian region. It’s one of the basic oils you can call multipurpose. Due to the high smoke point, it’s a real godsend for lovers of fried or baked meals. Products sharply dipped in heated cottonseed oil acquire a crispy, fried outer crust. Hot oil immediately "grabs" their surface, without penetrating inside, so the dishes turn out to be tender and less fatty. It’s a perfect match for roasting, stewing and deep-frying. At once, it is one of the most powerful vegetable antioxidants, an indispensable source of vitamin E, vitamin B, and microelements. It has no flavor, so it’s a real must-have on your kitchen top.

Best Olive Oil Alternatives

If you want to try some great alternatives to annoying and too fabulous olive oil, you are welcome! We’ll make you familiar with new tastes of extra-quality vegetable oils we use in our 95 Nutrition healthy meals prep & delivery. Just try them once to diversify your daily menu.