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 :-) 

Roasted unsalted peanuts..

Roasted unsalted peanuts!! One of the healthiest as well as tasty snack. Being rich in calories a handful of them will do and now don't start arguing whether a kids' handful or elder's handful because your own handful is sufficient for your built :-)

A complete nutritious snack, you can say, as these tiny NUTS are rich in Proteins, Carbohydrates and Fats. 

Fat!! Oh my God!!  Before you guys start worrying of how much fat your body is going to accumulate after eating this nutty snack, let me tell you that the Peanuts have Monounsaturated fats which are really good for your body and in fact help in burning your cholesterol. So never feel guilty when you binge on a handful of peanuts once or twice a week instead feel proud that you are actually eating something to keep your body fit by crushing the bad cholesterol.

Carb!! Another point of concern.. But I guess you all are aware that carbohydrates are the primary source of energy for our bodies. Thinking so, again if you guys start to keep a big bowl of peanuts beside you, and start munching, then you may land in trouble.  About 100 gms may give you nearly 250 calories. But anything given by Nature, if used in moderation, will never harm you.

These nuts are also rich in dietary fibre, Manganese, Copper, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Zinc, Potassium and Selenium. 

Suffering from Vitamin deficiencies!! Have a handful of peanuts once or twice a week or even can make it an option of using peanut butter on your bread once a week, or as we south Indians are used to the tasty peanut chutneys in our breakfast for Dosa and Idli also is perfect blend of nutrients.

Research studies have shown that these nuts are rich in antioxidants ( resveratrol) which are also available in red or black grapes, and due to this wonderful antioxidant this economical nut has gained more interest nowadays as it can help in fighting against Alzheimers diseases, certain Cancers, Viral infections, Degenerative diseases and Stroke. " OLD IS GOLD" - Phrase implies here I guess ;-)