8 of the best healthy oils and their benefits

In case you hadn't noticed, fats are making a comeback. In the bid for optimum health and vitality, the inclusion of dietary fats is often over-looked. However, when it comes to maintaining good health as we age, including adequate amounts of the right kinds of fats and oils is vital. Good fats provide the body with fuel alongside the feeling of fullness and can actually stimulate fat burning.Distinguishing good fats from bad fats can be tricky, so we have consulted naturopathic nutritionist Amy Morris to put together our top eight healthy oils...

1. OLIVE OIL - An integral part of the traditional Mediterranean diet, which is associated with vitality, longevity and low incidence of chronic disease, olive oil is widely prized for its health-promoting properties. It is particularly helpful in promoting optimal cardiovascular function, maintaining good blood flow and better cognitive function.
2. COCONUT OIL - Rightly earning its title as a ‘superfood’, coconut oil is consumed in large amounts by some of the healthiest populations around the world. It is also brilliant for those looking to lose or maintain their weight. The fatty acids in coconut oil have been shown to speed up overall metabolism, helping people expend more energy compared with long-chain fats. It can also help with neurological disorders and can significantly benefit common skin issues.
3. BORAGE OIL - One of the most under-researched oils, borage oil is widely used as an anti-inflammatory support for a number of conditions including eczema, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. Borage oil can be hard to track down, so try taking it in supplement format, we recommend B – Hada which combines high-quality borage oil with fish oils.
4. HEMP SEED OIL - Named nature’s perfect food due to its balanced concentrations of omega fatty acids 3, 6 and 9. Studies have shown it can help support heart health and promote proper cardiovascular function. It is also prized for its beneficial effect on hair, skin and nails, with people who regularly use and consume hemp oil report thicker and shinier hair, softer skin and stronger nails.
6. FLAX SEED OIL - This oil contains the highest concentration of Omega 3 fatty acids and the right amount of consumption has been shown to improve cardiovascular health as well as exhibit chemopreventative effects against colon tumour developments.
7. PUMPKIN SEED OIL - A great one for both men and women, research has found that it can significantly help improve prostate health due to its richness in zinc, as well as help women with menopause as it can decrease blood pressure, hot flushes, headaches and other menopausal symptoms.
8. AVOCADO OIL - Avocado oil has long been prized for its skin-boosting effects. In addition to its nourishing, moisturising and protective fats, it also contains significant levels of antioxidants, such as Vitamin E, which help keep skin supple and smooth.
9. OMEGA 3 FISH OIL - Arguably the best type of fat, the fats produced by oily fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines and anchovies) contain the highest concentrations of Omega 3 fatty acids which is proven to make a positive difference to the heart and brain health as well as improving the skeletal system. Omega 3 fish oils can also be found in supplement form, so why not try UnoCardio 1000 which was recently named the highest-quality fish oil on the market?