Simply put, refined oil is produced through a process that turns it into a smooth, light, and not sticky substance. Keep reading for more information.
Imagining your kitchen without a variety of edible oils is quite a challenge, isn’t it? In every kitchen, oils have special jobs – some are for frying, while others are good for using without cooking. In different parts of India, people prefer different types of oils. For example, people in Bengal like to use mustard oil, while in South India, coconut oil is popular. But there’s one type of oil that is always found in Indian kitchens, and that’s refined oil. Whether you’re making crispy pakodas or getting meat ready for a delicious curry, refined oil is what you should use. But here’s the twist: this oil has been a topic of debate for ages. You might have come across many online talks about its good and bad sides, which might have left you feeling quite confused. Fret not! We’re here to finally explain everything clearly and put any doubts to rest. In this article, we’re diving deep into the world of refined oil to determine if it’s a safe choice for your cooking endeavors.
All About Refined Oil: Your Ultimate Solution for Everyday Cooking
Put simply, refined oil is oil that has gone through a special process to become light and not heavy with grease. There are various types of oils, such as sunflower oil, rice bran oil, and soybean oil. Each of these oils has its own special qualities. What makes them similar is that they all go through a cleaning process that uses certain chemicals. This is the part that can be a little tricky to understand.
Is Refined Oil Really Safe to Eat?
As per nutrition specialist Richa Gangani, describing refined oil as “slow poisoning” is not an overstatement. She explains her worries in three main reasons: the way it’s processed, the inclusion of chemicals, and the absence of nutrients.
Point 1: The Refining Process
Refining involves steps like bleaching, de-waxing, deodorizing, and more, which end up lowering the oil’s natural properties like color and nutrients. This can make the oil more likely to cause inflammation and oxidation inside your body.
Point 2: Chemical Additions
Richa mentions that they employ over ten different types of chemicals to clean the oil and get more out from seeds and nuts. Some of these chemicals can be quite dangerous and result in adding undesirable substances to the food we eat.
Point 3: Health Concerns
Intense processing takes away the valuable nutrients from nuts and seeds, leaving the oil with fewer healthy elements. This might cause problems for your heart, digestion, and more.
Tip: While discouraging the use of refined oil, Richa also suggests some healthier alternatives. She approves of using sesame oil, olive oil, coconut oil, and mustard oil to create healthy and tasty dishes. However, it’s important to keep in mind that excessive consumption of any of these oils can be detrimental to your health.