What's the healthiest oil for cooking?

[EasterBunnylicious]

I know olive oil is v healthy but I'm sure I read that it isn't great for cooking. What's the healthiest oil to use for general cooking, stir-frying etc.?

Olive oil is fine as long as it's not extra virgin. I use the mild olive oil for cooking.

Have a look at this

Very useful, thanks

oh no - what's wrong with extra virgin oil?

Extra virgin has a low smoke point, which is why it's not recommended for frying. Other types of cooking are ok. The smoke point is the temperature at which it breaks down and smokes, releasing carcinogens. Peanut oil is used by Chinese cooks in stir frying because it has a high smoke point. See my link further down for more on this.

Rapeseed Oil I have started using Rapeseed oil.

Oops posted before I'd finished, went to a cookery demo with James Martin. He recommended it, ie got health benefits of olive oil but is British and has a high smoke point so can be used from dressings to deep frying, I use it a lot but still use extra virgin for dressings.

(nb went to a James Martin demo, didn't actually go with him, mores the pity )

I agree, rapeseed oil is good for cooking and you can get extra virgin rapeseed oil now too. It is healthier than olive oil.

I've just run out of olive oil so I'll be giving rapeseed a try.