Rapeseed Oil for Cooking and Health Benefits

Rapeseed grows in fields across Britain; it is a fragrant and familiar crop that is an irritant to hay fever sufferers and farmers alike.

When Rapeseed is cold-pressed, it produces a cooking oil with a grassy, "green" taste. And now with some new eye-catching health properties, that the home grown rapeseed has been dubbed "the British olive oil".

It has a high smoke point which means an unusually high burning temperature and therefore can be used as cooking oil unlike Wheatgerm oil which cannot be heated. This quality makes it popular health oil and a good source of the omega oils through daily use.

Rapeseed oil is exceptionally rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6 which have well known benefits for the health. The omega oils play a big part in fighting inflammation and maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system. Rapeseed also contains omega 9 in the form of Oleic acid, which is what is also found in Olive oil also a very popular cooking oil. Oleic acid found in Rapeseed oil is a monosaturated fatty acid which is known to have health benefits, such as it may help strengthen immunity. Organic cold pressed Rapeseed oil is also very rich in vitamin E.

Apart from its local provenance, it's big selling point, say converts, is its health-giving properties. As with olive oil, it contains Omegas 3, 6 and 9, essential fatty acids known to reduce cholesterol and maintain heart health, joint mobility and brain function. It is also a rich, natural source of vitamin E. High in mono-unsaturated fats, it is one of the few unblended oils that can be heated to deep-frying temperature without its antioxidants, character, colour and flavour spoiling. In short, it is one of best. Experts also say that adding it to the diet may lower the cholesterol and blood fat levels of patients who have had high cholesterol from birth.

One of the good things about using it as cooking oil is that it contains half the saturated fat of Olive oil and therefore is good dietary oil. Organic Rapeseed oil is a better choice and always try to opt for certified organic and cold pressed Rapeseed oil as this will offer better health benefits.

The best way to enjoy the benefits of cold pressed cooking oils is by keeping a range of oils. Use Rapeseed oil and Olive oil for light stir fry's and salads keep organic virgin coconut oil or a similar saturated fat for heavy frying, and pumpkin and avocado oils for dressings and dips."

Fushi Wellbeing panel of experts include a nutritionist and herbalist provides unbiased and expert information on basic nutrition and healthy lifestyle tips. Fushi Wellbeing provides a range of ethical health and wellbeing products from cold pressed oils for both internal and massage use, herbal supplements, health supplements and natural body and hair care.

Rapeseed oil is unique health oil which can be used for cooking like organic coconut oil as well and rich in vitamins and omega fatty acids.



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The Rap on Berries

I have to admit the "what's cooking" question can challenge the best of us in the food universe, but a visit to the farmer's market can provide the solution in solving this dining dilemma. On my most recent visit I was drawn to the raspberries and blueberries.

The berry family has plenty of positives to benefit those on the path to well-being. They are low in calories, high in Vitamin C, fiber and folate. Additionally they contain heaps of antioxidants which aid in heart health, boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation and bad cholesterol and preventing blood clots. Adding to these umbrella benefits, the individual berries bring other health benefits to the table.

Raspberries are available in red, gold, purple and black, but the reds are the most popular. Raspberries are low in calories, and sodium; they are an excellent source of vitamin C, and a good source of carbohydrates and dietary fiber. Red raspberries also contain manganese, copper and Vitamin K. The richly colored red raspberry is high in both antioxidants and phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are defined by the American Cancer Society as plant compounds that include lycopene, resveratrol and carotenoids that are thought to have health protecting qualities.

The phytonutrients contained in raspberries aid in lowering the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and atherosclerosis. Though the research is continuing recent data indicates the potential for the fruit to play a role in obesity management.

Raspberries are delicate and should be gently washed in cool water and patted dry just before using them. They are more flavorful if allowed to come to room temperature before eating, rather than eating them as soon as they come out of the refrigerator.

Blueberries, labeled as one of the "superfoods" are also high in antioxidants including the phytonutrient anthocyanins. It is the anthocyanins that give the fruit the deep blue-purple color. The fruit is low in calories, sodium-free and a good source of vitamins C and K, manganese, fiber and copper.

Blueberry consumption is linked to antioxidant support, with a protective effect on the entire body in addition to the cardiovascular system. There is evidence that blueberries can protect the retina from damage from sunlight, and assist in maintaining the blood-sugar balance in people affected by type 2 diabetes or who are insulin resistant. Recent research indicates that consumption of blueberries may play a role in improving memory and delaying the onset of age-related cognitive problems.

As with raspberries, blueberries require gentle washing and patting dry just before using, they should be stored in the refrigerator. Blueberries can be frozen but for optimum nutrition content, fresh is best.

As for what's cooking-fresh berry salads tossed with arugula and assorted baby lettuce plus toasted nuts; berries and cottage cheese or Greek-style yogurt; fruit smoothies made with almond milk; grilled pork tenderloin with blueberries or raspberries; whole-grain pizza spread with Greek-style yogurt, and toppings of thin-sliced ham and berries of course!

Take Away: Raspberries and blueberries have nutrient star status. Add them to your meals as part of your well-being lifestyle plan.

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Oprah Winfrey and the Acai Berry Supplement Scam!

Ever since Oprah Winfrey featured Acai berries on her famous day time tv talk show where it was voted to be the number one super food, all kinds of chatter has been circulating across the main stream wire, as well as the internet, about this amazing little super fruit called the Acai Berry. Now it's not just Oprah, Rachael Ray has featured Acai Berries on her show and a number of celebrities have endorsed Acai berries including Brad Pitt. Now what does all of this have to do with Acai Berry Scams? I'm getting to it.

Now, I don't want to scare anyone away from Acai berry supplements or any Acai berry products. These products can aid in everything from weight loss to heart health, to increased libido. But the thing you need to be aware of are all of the companies that are out there praying on the good name of Oprah Winfrey and Rachael Ray in order to sell Acai berry supplements and pills. Now while 95% of these companies are reputable - like any thing else - there are a few bad apples in the bunch.
What a few not-so-nice Acai berry supplement companies have done is to offer Acai berry supplement free trials, only to sign you up to a subscription that it is incredibly difficult to get out of because there is no cancellation button or contact information anywhere on the site. It seems people just see the name Oprah and they sign right up without first doing a little research.
Now, there is nothing wrong with a free trial bottle, nearly every supplement company does this, good and bad alike. The only thing you need to do before you sign up for a free trial bottle of Acai Berry supplements is to make sure that there is a cancellation link somewhere (likely the bottom) on the website. Another good sign is when the company doesn't force you into a subscription but offers a one-time-purchase of Acai berry supplements if you should wish to go that way instead of a month subscription. So whether Oprah Winfrey endorses Acai Berry supplements or not, steer clear of anything that looks like an Acai Berry Scam.

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