Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/1520
May/Jun 2009 | www.MyFamilyDoctorMag.com | 9 CHART The sesame or peanut? canola or olive? With so many oils lining the supermarket shelves, it can take a team of culinary and health experts to select the right one. Here's a quick guide to give you a little of that expertise. the temperature at which an oil begins to break down—basically burn—is called its smoke point. for frying (only rarely, of course) and other high-temperature cooking, use one with a high smoke point. flavoring oils in salad dressings and finishing sauces can have a low smoke point. Mouthwash We've heard it can stain teeth and might even make your breath worse after it wears off. Is mouthwash worth buying? Worth it ? Jill weisenbeRgeR, M.s., R.d., c.d.e., is a registered dietitian with National Clinical Research—Norfolk, in Virginia, and a consultant to the food industry with Jill Weisenberger Health Communications LLC. "T he only mouthwash that stains teeth is chlorhexidine, a pre- scription antimicrobial mouth rinse …. "It is true that mouthwashes that contain alcohol can dry your mouth, causing rebound growth, which can cause bad breath. For that reason, it's important to note that mouthwashes without alcohol do work. They contain odor-neutralizing properties and help rinse away odor-causing bacteria." —dana gelMan keiles, d.d.s., Northern Westchester Dental Center, Yorktown Heights, N.Y. "T he answer is an emphatic and resounding … maybe. "Rinses with alcohol are not rec- ommended, as they dry the mouth and teeth. Most [over-the-counter] rinses just mask odor for a short time, but OTC anticavity rinses are effective in reducing the cavity-causing bacteria, and OTC antiplaque rinses reduce the bacteria that causes gingivitis by up to 25 percent. "Most importantly, remember that rinsing will never replace brushing and flossing, but it is useful after brushing and flossing." —Kevin S. Warthan, D.D.S., HomeCare Dentists, San Juan Capistrano, Calif. F irst, find out whether bacteria from gum disease is causing your bad breath. "Periodontal disease is the lead- ing cause of tooth loss in the United States, and no mouthwash is able to treat it effectively, although antibacterial and prescription mouthwashes can help. [Bad breath] is a symptom to be addressed, not covered over." Sore or bleeding gums and tooth sensitivity are also gum-disease symptoms. —susan c. FioRillo, d.M.d., general den- tistry, Worcester, Mass. oil/sMoke point best uses HealtH & cookinG notes canola Medium-high baking and sautéing, for a neutral flavor; inexpensive. low in unhealthy saturated fats and good source of ala, the heart- healthy, plant-based omega-3 fatty acid. olive Medium-high salads, dipping breads, sautéing, dishes with a Mediterranean flare. a bit more saturated fat and less omega-3 than canola oil, but an excellent source of heart-loving monounsaturated fats. extra-virgin olive oil is the most expensive but the most nutrient-dense, showering you with antioxidants. pure olive oil is second-best. leave the rest at the supermarket. store in a cool, dark place. peanut Medium-high smoke point is a little higher than canola and olive, making it good for high-heat cooking like asian cuisine. less distinct flavor than other nut oils and a little higher in saturated fat than canola and olive. sesame, dark Medium drizzle over asian dishes. dark is robust and flavorful, made from toasted seeds. light is from white seeds, less flavorful, higher smoke point. Moderate in saturated and monounsaturated fats. store in the refrigerator. vegetable High all-purpose, mild-tasting. could come from any vegetable or combination. fat profile varies with the oils used, so read your labels. Walnut low the distinct nutty taste is best in salads and splashed over cooked dishes. this pricey oil is high in omega-3s and low in saturated fats. store in the refrigerator. time to Change your oil? by Jill Weisenberger, M.s., r.d., c.d.e.