5 Foods That Contain Corn Oil

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Do you know the foods that contain corn oil? Corn oil is edible oil popular in the United States. The oil is derived from the corn kernels, refined and sold in every supermarket. Moreover, corn oil is widely used for commercial food production. What are the foods that contain corn oil?

Danger of corn oil

Corn oil may be dangerous. The oil possesses a number of fatty acids, 13% of which are saturated. Unsaturated fatty acids, main components of corn oil, are considered healthy fats. However, the oil contains a lot of omega-6 fatty acids and few omega-3 fats. Linoleic acid in corn oil (omega-6 fatty acid) has the pro-inflammatory action. It should be counteracted by omega-3 fats, which are anti-inflammatory. In case of their balance the body functions properly. As corn oil is poor in omega-3s the consumption of large quantities of this oil may lead to the rise in inflammation. Studies have shown that the excessive amount of corn oil in nutrition may be bad and lead to breast and prostate cancer, heart disease and inflammation in the bones system as Wikipedia notes.

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Foods that contain corn oil

If you eat at home you can control the oils you consume. If you eat out the type of oils they use for food preparation is unknown. Corn oil is often used in cafes and fast-food restaurants, as it is inexpensive, available and suitable for all types of frying. The most popular foods that contain corn oil are as follows.

French fries

According to the research corn oil is the most widespread frying oil applied for cooking French fries at large fast food restaurants. Small businesses use corn oil less frequently as it is profitably to buy only large amounts of corn oil. The research has found out that 69% of national fast food chains use corn oil alone or in mixture with other vegetable oils for French fries while only 20%of small fast food restaurants serve French fries with corn oil.

Fried chicken

Corn oil has a high smoke point. According to Wikipedia it is 450°F. The oil is a good choice for frying and deep-frying as its fatty acids won’t break down and the oil won’t emit smoke. Due to this fact corn oil is often used for frying chicken. Sometimes it is a component of vegetable oil also popular in fast-food restaurants.

Pastries

Corn oil is light in texture and can be used for baking. Its taste is mild, a bit sweetish. The oil is not felt in the baked products. It is often added for baking corn bread and corn cookies. As it is neutral in taste it is added to muffins and cakes.

Salad dressings

Corn oil is also a base for salad dressings, mayonnaise, sauces and marinades. When cold it has a flavor of roasted corn and makes the dressings especially tasty.

Popcorn

Popcorn is among foods that contain corn oil too. The oil is inexpensive and adds a pleasant flavor to popcorn.

SEE ALSO: Healthy Coconut Oil Popcorn Recipe

Considerations

People allergic to corn sometimes have an allergy reaction to corn oil. The above list of products is not complete. If you are sensitive to corn oil always ask in a restaurant about the oil they use.