Nancy Dell: EVOO for cooking?; Non-stick pan risks

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) -  

1. Can Extra Virgin Olive Oil be used in cooking? My friend says it has a low smoke point.
Kelsey, Internet

Extra Virgin Olive Oil, or EVOO, is healthy oil linked to lower risk of and heart disease. Plus, it tastes good.

However, there has been confusion and debate as to whether or not EVOO is good for cooking because of its smoke point, the temperature at which the fat burns and tastes bad.

Now a recent study published in the International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition clears up the confusion. Researchers compared the smoke points of various oils and here is what they found. 

Oil                                            Smoke Point (degrees)

EVOO                                            410
Canola                                          400-435
Corn, Soybean, Peanut              450

EVOO has a smoke point of 410 degrees, canola oil smokes between 400 and 435 degrees. Corn, soybean, and peanut oil smoke at 450 degrees. 

The temperature for most pan frying is between 350 and 375 degrees. So EVOO can work well for sautéing, pan frying and baking, but avoid using at temperatures above 410 degrees.

2. Are non-stick pans safe?
Kim, Internet

According to a new study of 4000 people done at Yale, women exposed to a common chemical called PFCs, found in many things including non-stick pans as well as take out containers and carpeting, are at greater risk of developing osteoarthritis.

Researchers did not find a similar risk among men. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. The cartilage in the joints degenerates causing pain and stiffness.

Previous research has linked PFC exposure to a higher risk for the premature onset of menopause in women, higher levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol in women and men, and reduced effectiveness of routine vaccinations among children.

Researchers say our hormone systems are very delicate and tiny doses of  PFCs disrupt hormones that influence inflammation and repair of our cartilage. So try to avoid PFCs in non-stick pans.