January 21, 2020
Healthy fats make food both tasty and satisfying.
This is why low fat and fat-free diets and products fail. They taste bad because they lack the necessary aromas for good flavor.
Yet, gone are the days of extra virgin olive oil as the be-all and end-all of a home cook's culinary escapades.
Now, there are a bunch of new players in town that can, with just a little bit of know-how, elevate any dish no matter how simple or basic.
Below are 6 Healthy Ostro-Organics products you should try in 2020 to spice up your cooking!
Coconut oil has gained a lot of popularity in the past decade due to social media influencers who use it for everything from cooking, to hair care, to lubricating squeaky door hinges (okay, maybe not the last one). Still, many consumers do not use this oil to its fullest potential. For example, since coconut oil has a higher smoke point than other vegetable oils, it is perfect for frying, both on its own or added to another.
When combined with a handful of other ingredients, coconut oil can be used as a vegan butter which is going to behave just like the real stuff in almost everything. Or add just a teaspoon into a mug of hot chocolate for a smooth and rich brew that perfectly hits the spot during cold winter nights.
Also Coconut oil is also pet safe! Mixing a teaspoon into the wet food of your beloved cat or dog will make their coats shiny and their bodies healthy. This tip is especially great for those pets who spend a lot of time outdoors and are exposed to the elements.
Flax oil, linseed or flax seed oil is not a cooking oil. It has a low smoke point and you risk killing some of its nutrients and more delicate flavour compounds when heated. In fact, harmful compounds can be formed when flax oil is exposed to high heat.
Yet, flax oil is perfect for making a simple vinaigrette for drizzling over your favourite salad. You can also add a tablespoon into your smoothie or your
overnight fridge oatmeal for extra creaminess.
What are the benefits of flax oil?
Studies that have looked at both daily consumption and topical application, flax seed oil shows improved skin and can help soothe several types of dermatitis.
Raw walnut oil is the newcomer to the party and can be an absolute heavy hitter in your pantry.
Walnuts are considered brain and eye food, and some of those beneficial components are retained in the organic raw oil as well. A 35-gram serving of walnut oil provides the same nutritional benefits as 50 grams of walnuts.
Since walnut oil has a distinct nutty flavor, consider using it in recipes where it can shine to its fullest. A traditional East Berlin dessert recipe calls for cooked noodles to be covered with ground walnuts and sugar to taste. This can be further enhanced with a drizzling of walnut oil.
Or, mix walnut ois with some honey and drizzle over roasted pumpkin for a super healthy but absolutely delicious autumn dessert (finish with some toasted nuts and creme fraîche, of course) or turn it up a notch on a classic apple walnut salad.
Keep in mind that walnut oil is like flax oil. It doesn't like exposure to high heat and will turn bitter tasting. Also, it is suitable for topical use, and in a combination with castor oil can make a fabulous cleansing oil.
Nigella Sativa or black cumin oil has shown possible benefits for conditions like asthma, diabetes and high blood pressure.
It is generally used in small doses. For example, some consumers report drinking a teaspoon of it daily like a supplement. You can take this with honey or mixed with water to smoothen the Indian spice finish.
But those small doses can be added to your food which will enable a more efficacious absorption of nutrients. Nigella Sativa complements breakfast smoothies and oats.
Some users report it being good for general scalp care or even hair loss prevention due to its high content of B vitamins and folic acid, as well as omegas 6 and 9. It also contains an interesting phytochemical called Thymoquinone that has shown antiinflammatory and antioxidant effects in laboratory experiments.
Milk thistle oil has been often acknowledged for its topical uses and skin benefits. It is rich in polyphenols, as well as vitamins A, D, E, and F.
Therfore, thistle oil is often found in cosmetic products for anti-aging care due to its antioxidative properties. Some studies show it as effective in soothing and treating dermatitis, psoriasis, burns, and cuts, as well as scalp care. It can be applied directly or blended with aloe vera gel for a DIY moisturizer, or even added to face masks and other oil blends.
Milk thistle oil has a fairly delicate flavor, so it is perfect for sneaking into raw soups, smoothies, juices, and even Ice cream (nice!), and is a great substitute for butter on your popcorn.
These oils are healthy and tasty choices that you should try out in 2020. Incorporating these oils in your diet will benefit most people. Keep in mind that these oils should always be bought and consumed fresh, unrefined and when possible certified organic. This will ensure that the quality and nutritional content is intact. Enjoy the venture and discover to the magic of fresh oils!
Black Cumin Seed Oil "Nigella Sativa"
April 06, 2023