Monday, May 30, 2011

Super Salad Dressing and Why NOT OLIVE Oil

Monday, May 30, 2011

My new favorite oil is macadamia nut oil! This oil has a high smoke point of around 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This is much higher than that of olive oil. I never fry in olive oil, I only use macadamia or coconut oil; they don't break down to products that are unhealthy for the heart. Due to its chemical structure and high amount of unsaturated fats, heating olive oil = oxidative damage. Are you leaving your bottle of olive oil right on the counter? Opening and closing it multiple times a week? Any time the olive oil is exposed to air and/or light, it oxidizes. The chlorophyll in olive oil accelerates the oxidation. Oxidation causes free radicals, which increase cancer and atherosclerosis; which are "free radical" diseases. Cancer is associated with chromosomal defects and oncogene activation. The consumption of oxidized fats and oils increase death rates from leukemia and malignant neoplasia of the breast, ovaries and rectum. Atherosclerosis increases as free radical reactions from diet-derived fats in the arterial wall increases. These compounds induce endothelial cell damage and produce changes in the arterial walls.
WORST OILS: Canola, Corn, Cottonseed, Soy, Sunflower
FOUND IN: Microwave dinners, salad dressings, chips, cookies, crackers, roasted nuts…

On the other hand, macadamia nut oil has a long shelf life. It can be stored for up to 1 to 2 years without refrigeration.

Macadamia nut oil has linoleic acid, Omega-3 essential fatty acid, Omega-6 fatty acid and also palmitoleic acid. The oleic acid in macadamia nut oil has anti-inflammatory properties that makes it effective in fighting against chronic diseases, such as heart disease.

Macadamia nut oil is a stable oil that is also great for topical use for all skin types. I love macadamia oil for use on dry and mature skin due to its high concentration of palmitoleic acid. This acid is naturally present in human sebum when we are young and declines as we age; it softens and moisturizes the skin and also helps in healing mild wounds. Macadamia oil is absorbed very easily by the skin and the scalp and helps the cells to rejuvenate. It prevents sunburns and also helps the skin retain its moisture.



It also acts as an antioxidant. It prevents damage to skin cells by free radicals that cause signs of aging on the skin. Macadamia nut oil skin care is also attributed to its high vitamin E content. Macadamia oil is also a rich source of calcium, vitamin B complex and minerals like phosphorus and iron.

Macadamia nut oil is VERY tasty for salads; it has a natural "nutty" flavor.



1/2 cup macadamia nut oil
4 TBS white vinegar OR COCONUT VINEGAR (see below)
1/2 tsp stevia glycerite
1 tsp Celtic sea salt
1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper
1/2 tsp fish sauce (see below)

Place all ingredients into a salad jar and shake vigorously. Use for coleslaw or drizzle on your salad greens. Makes 10 servings

NUTRITIONAL COMPARISON (per serving)
Store bought Asian Dressing = 160 calories, 4 carbs, 0 fiber
“Healthified” Asian Dressing = 160 calories, 0.2 carbs, 0 fiber


Coconut Vinegar nutritionally exceeds other vinegars in its amino acid, vitamin and mineral contents, and is an excellent source of FOS (a prebiotic that promotes digestive health). In addition to using in your favorite dressings and marinades, our Coconut Vinegar may also be used instead of apple cider vinegar for skincare or with any internal cleansing program. (This delicious vinegar does not have a coconutty flavor.) Click HERE to find.

Fish Sauce,  mushrooms and aged cheeses have something called “UMAMI.” Umami is a pleasant savory taste produced by glutamate and ribonucleotides, chemicals which occur naturally in many foods. Umami is subtle and not generally identified by people when they encounter it, but blends well with other tastes to intensify and enhance flavors; it plays an important role in making food taste delicious.

18 comments:

  1. Oh so good to know, I love all the info. you give us. Is it good to cook with extra virgin coconut oil? I see coconut oil for cooking, but I use extra virgin is that what I should use? Thanks

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  2. Yes, Unrefined extra virgin would be the best!

    Happy Eating!

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  3. but are you saying never use olive oil? i use coconut oil and macadamia oil, grape seed oil, etc. but love olive oil for certain things...

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  4. I think she is saying don't use it to cook with. I will probably just use it to cook with if I know it is going to be on very low heat. I wonder if that is ok or just don't cook with it at all?

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  5. Just make sure not to heat it above 200 degrees;) and store olive oil in a cool dark place. Then it is a good option.

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  6. What is 200 degrees in a typical stove setting- I don't know how to relate that to my cooking on the stove top. sauteeing onions & mushrooms in OO? Do you fry eggs- if yes what do you fry your eggs in?

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  7. Another example- Jamie Oliver has a fantastic roasted chicken recipe. We normally use Olive Oil on the chicken breast which is cooked @ 350. Per the note above would you advise against that? What do you use when you roast chicken?

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  8. I usually use coconut oil or butter. I actually don't even have Olive Oil at home.

    I LOVE to rub my chicken in coconut oil. It is VERY tasty! I usually fry my eggs in butter.

    Please read this for more info: http://mariahealth.blogspot.com/2011/03/why-i-use-butter-and-true-causes-of.html

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  9. Just thought I'd let you know I contacted NOW and they said their oil is in BPA plastic bottles due to cost and shipping issues. I think www.oilsofaloha.com seem reasonable and plan on trying their oil.

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  10. How do you feel about rice bran oil?

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    1. Oh wow, really... that's good to know because I have a 4l bottle here I haven't touched in a while (I also use it for soap making but used to use it for food). Very happy to read this!

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    2. There are better options out there for oil (coconut, butter, etc) but rice bran oil is an ok option.

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    3. Yep, it'll be used if I have nothing else :)

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  11. How well does the mac nut oil work as sunburn protection? I am going to Cozumel and do not like to use regular sunscreen, but normally do, as I don't want to burn either! I also pretan which I am sure you won't like, but I want to enjoy the sun and soak up the vit D. :-)

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    1. I think getting lots of vitamin D from the sun is good, just make sure not to burn. I don't know if mac nut oil works as a sun screen. I use these. :) http://astore.amazon.com/marisnutran05-20?_encoding=UTF8&node=77

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  12. What about using coconut oil in mayo? And thinning it down with water so it is not too thick? I tried it once and it looked like thick frosting, but was delicious. And I always use my Vitamix to make salad dressings and usually add a bit of xantham gum to keep them emulsified, especially in a thinner dressing like Italian. I'm looking forward to trying the mac nut oil mayo.

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    1. I think that sounds like a great option! :)

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