Deep Dive into the OCEAN OF OILS !!

All the oils have a certain smoke point. Smoke point is the point at which, when an oil is exposed to higher temperatures, the fats in the oil tend to break down and get degraded, i.e., they lose their quality. The higher is the smoking point, the safer are the oils even, when exposed to high temperatures. So, what we have to do is,  whenever a deep fried food is there in the menu, choose the oil with a higher smoking point.

Most of the oils used for deep frying are hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated vegetable oils which are rich in trans fat and this trans fat  in long run may cause  an increase in your cholesterol levels. Trans fat is usually an adulterated form of fat which helps in increasing the longevity of the processed foods but decreases the longevity of our lives.

But due to the recent advances in chemistry and medicine many are aware of the dangerous effects of long term use of hydrogenated vegetable oils and have shifted towards Olive oil, Rice bran oil, Safflower oil, Sunflower oil and Corn oil. These oils may be healthy, but, when exposed to higher temperatures constantly, they USUALLY turn out be UNHEALTHY.

The oils which are loaded with Saturated and Monounsaturated fats, like, Olive oil, Coconut oil, Ghee, Avocado oil, Peanut oil, Sunflower oil and Rice bran oil are known to have a higher smoking point and tend to be safer for deep frying.

The oils with polyunsaturated fats, such as, Safflower oil, Corn oil, Canola oil and Soybean oil are unsafe for deep frying as they break down easily at higher temperatures and form FREE RADICALS. These free radicals, are the main culprits of all the Metabolic diseases occurring nowadays and also the cause of increased Incidence of Cancer.

Over all, research studies have shown that Coconut oil is safer  for deep frying and do not break down that easily. Next is the Olive oil and Avocado oils which are preferable. Peanut oil is also safe and even the Sunflower oil or Rice bran oil  is safe, whereas the Safflower oil is dangerous.

Choice is yours, CHOOSE WISELY TO STAY HEALTY LONGER .

A detailed summary of the GOOD & BAD of each and every OIL available in the market coming up , STAY TUNED :-) 

What the FUSS of Cooking OILS ??

 

Oils are another, most debated food ingredient, when it comes to our Health and Wellness. They do play a major role in either repairing or damaging our health. Thus, it is important, to know the right oils that are healthy, which helps in proper functioning of our hormones, improves metabolism, and strengthens our Nervous System.

Lately, we tend to believe that REFINED OILS, are all harmful, whereas these refined oils came into the market, with the mention that the ancient COLD-PRESSED OILS are all fatty and full of impurities and those are the major cause behind Heart attacks and Stroke !!

Obviously, this makes all of us, get confused on what is HEALTHY and what is harmful for our health. Here is a simple, yet highly useful information, for our daily choices, when it comes to choosing the Right cooking oils. All the refined oils are not bad, they are just devoid of certain vitamins, minerals, compared to cold – pressed oils. This doesn’t mean they should never be used.

Refined oils are an excellent option for deep fried and high flame cooking methods. Make sure you choose, the Double filtered refined oils. As cold-pressed oils or unrefined oils, when exposed to higher temperatures for longer periods of time, tend to break down into unhealthy fats- thus they should only be limited to slow flame or medium flame cooking methods.

Otherwise cold-pressed oils, when used in moderate quantities are highly recommended, in order to avoid any kind of nutritional deficiencies, like Vitamin – D deficiencies, Hormonal Imbalances, weak skeletal & muscular system or weakening of our nervous system.

Another extraordinary option for cooking can be GHEE. It can be used for shallow cooking methods, deep fry cooking methods, high flame, low flame or even as top up on your rotis or curries. It is an excellent cooking medium, but be cautious of the quantity of the ghee consumed in a day. Keep it minimal !!