What cooking oil should you use? A cardiologist weighs in
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If you cook at home regularly, “What cooking oil should I use?” is a question worth asking.
After all, cooking oil is one of those pantry staples we reach for almost every day, from sautéing garlic and onions and frying eggs to cooking fish, making lumpia or preparing the family’s favorite fried dishes.
We often think carefully about the ingredients that go into our meals, but the cooking oil we use can be just as worth considering.
For cardiologist Emilita S. Lapuz, MD, FPCP, FPCC, FPSVM, it is a choice that deserves a closer look.
“More Filipinos want healthier lives, but nutritious choices can seem costly. Many patients rely on fried food and ask, ‘Doc, what oil should I use?’” she says.
So, what should you look for?
Dr. Lapuz explains that canola oil provides monounsaturated fat and plant-based omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid, along with a neutral taste that works well in everyday cooking.
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And because choosing a cooking oil is an everyday decision, it is worth looking at what research says about canola oil’s nutritional profile.
A 2019 meta-analysis published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, which reviewed 27 randomized trials involving 1,359 participants, found that canola oil reduced LDL cholesterol by 6.4 mg/dL and total cholesterol by 7.24 mg/dL compared with comparison diets.
A 2020 meta-analysis of 42 trials reported similar findings.
Choosing a cooking oil is only one part of the bigger picture. Dr. Lapuz recommends using modest portions, avoiding reheating oil, and varying cooking methods when possible.
She also reminds families that no single ingredient determines overall health; balanced eating and healthy daily habits matter, too.
A choice for the everyday kitchen
Beyond understanding the nutritional qualities of canola oil, knowing the credentials behind a brand can also help put everyday choices into perspective.
Jolly Heart Mate Canola Oil is the “No. 1 Canola Oil Brand in the Philippines,” based on NIQ RMS data for the Cooking Oil Category (Canola Oil Segment) for the 12-month period ending July 2026 for the Total Philippines retail market (Copyright © 2026, Nielsen Consumer LLC). It is also “Prescribed by Cardiologists,” based on an IQVIA 2026 study. In the same study, 4 in 5 cardiologists surveyed agreed that Heart Mate is good for the heart and supports heart health.
Heart Mate contains zero cholesterol, has the lowest saturated fat content among vegetable oils, and provides Omega-3 and Omega-6. As part of a proper diet and healthy lifestyle, it helps reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Ultimately, supporting better heart health is about the small choices we make consistently, from the way we prepare our meals to the habits we build beyond the kitchen.
With a better understanding of canola oil and the role it can play in everyday cooking, families can make more informed decisions about the food they serve at home.
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Editor’s Note: BrandedUp is designed to provide you with insightful, inspiring and educational content created by PhilSTAR L!fe in collaboration with brands like Jolly Heart Mate.
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