Secret to Healthier Eating

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Whether you want to add a healthy flair to your cooking style or maintain your ideal weight for bathing-suit season, something as simple as preparing food with the right cooking oil can be a positive step toward good health.

It's a common misconception that all fats and oils are bad for you. In fact, the right fats and oils provide an effective energy source for the body, as well as enhance the texture, taste and aroma of many foods.

While olive and canola oils have long been heralded as two of the healthiest cooking oils, a new alternative is available to cooks who have health at the forefront of their minds.

After becoming hugely popular in Japan, diacylglycerol (DAG) oil is now available in the United States under the Enova brand name and is clinically shown to help consumers maintain a healthy lifestyle when used as part of a sensible diet. DAG oil tastes much like other conventional cooking oils but when consumed, less is stored in the body as fat.

"Enova is made from all natural soy and canola oil, and since it is not a fat substitute, digestive disturbances are not expected," said Mary Lee Chin, a registered dietitian. "More importantly, the oil has a light, mild taste and can be substituted for conventional cooking or salad oil in any cooking routine."

Whatever oil you choose, follow these important tips.

* Choose oil with the greatest health benefits, such as the new DAG oil, canola, soy or olive oil. These oils are versatile and can be used for all types of recipes. Use these oils instead of butter or shortening for your recipes.

* A little oil goes a long way. One teaspoon of oil per person is adequate.