The festive season comes up with joy, lights, and most importantly, delicious food. Indian festive celebrations are synonymous with preparing a variety of sweets, snacks, and other tempting dishes. A staple on the grocery list during this time is seed oil, as festive foods and seed oil go hand in hand.

We know oily foods taste great, but have you ever wondered if they're good for your health? With today’s generation becoming increasingly health-conscious, it’s crucial to understand the impact of seed oil on our bodies. This blog aims to provide insight on why seed oils are not good for your health and this festive season why you should try to avoid them. So don’t let these festive times affect your well-being.

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Toxic seed oils to avoid

The oils that are extracted from the seeds of certain plants, generally also called industrial seed oils, are very harmful to health. It is said anything natural is good to consume; however, industrial seed oils are heavily processed and refined, which makes them highly unhealthy fats such as omega-6 fatty acids and trans-fats. Also, the beneficial nutrients in their natural state are high, but as the seeds get processed, they start losing the beneficial nutrients and antioxidants. 

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1. Soybean oil 

According to the research, the most common industrial seed oil used in food products is soybean oil. During the festive season, it is mostly used to make chips, margarine, and other fried foods. Unfortunately, it contains a high amount of omega-6 fatty acids that are responsible for increasing inflammation within the body. Based on the studies carried out, excessive amounts of omega-6 fatty acids can cause genetic changes in the brain.

2. Corn oil

Corn oil is a popular industrial seed oil that is excessively refined and processed to vanish its natural flavor and color. Taking advantage of its no color and flavor, many business owners use it as a great option for frying foods. However, talking about the nutrition aspect, it is not worth it. Corn oil contains a high amount of unhealthy trans fats, which can raise bad cholesterol levels if consumed in excess. 

3. Sunflower oil & Peanut oil

This name sounds familiar to the oils you use in your kitchen. Am I right? But do you know that sunflower oil and peanut oil contains very little nutritional value as they are highly refined during processing. It is highly recommended to replace your seed oil today with the best substitute.

4. Safflower oil 

Safflower oil is the other common industrial seed oil that is widely used in food manufacturing plants. Although this seed oil is termed a slightly healthier option compared to other industrial seed oils, it contains a higher amount of PUFAs, which can be one of the reasons for increased inflammation in your body.

5. Palm oil:

Palm oil has a high saturated fat content, which makes it one of the worst choices for consumption-especially its effects in the long run. Palm oil is also sold at lower costs compared to other oils, therefore, the local food industries use palm oil to optimize their production costs.

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From Kitchen to Chaos: How Are Seed Oils Affecting Your Health?

It is suggested to stay away from toxicity in your life, then why to let seed oils stay with you? Yes, they are the toxins, and they are the culprits in your life, and here is how they are going to make your health conditions worse. Let’s learn the seed oil health risks:

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1. Inflammation: 

Seed oils are rich in omega-6 fatty acids. You may wonder if they are essential for health, but if consumed in excess, they can promote inflammation in your body. This inflammation can lead to certain heart diseases, arthritis, certain cancers, and many more. 

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2. Heart Health

Heart health and seed oils have a complex relationship. On one hand, it is found that polyunsaturated fats in seed oils can lower bad cholesterol levels, which is very vital for good heart health. However, on the other side, high omega-6 fatty acids in seed oils can increase inflammation and oxidative stress. This can contribute to the development of heart disease by promoting the buildup of fatty deposits in arteries that lead to atherosclerosis. 

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3. Weight gain and obesity:

Seed oils have high calories and are often used in processed foods, which is linked with obesity and weight gain. The processed foods that we eat are generally low in nutrients and very high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and salt. Therefore, a combination of these can accelerate weight gain and metabolic issues in the body. 

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4. Metabolic Health

Our body’s metabolism depends on the food we eat. High consumption of seed oils can negatively impact metabolic health. As mentioned earlier, seed oils are rich in omega-6 fatty acids, which can contribute to insulin resistance. Also, consuming large amounts of processed foods and unhealthy fats can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which affects liver function and overall metabolic health.

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The Smart Switch for Better Health

Your celebrations should be joyful, and so should your health. 

Industrial seed oils have a lot of fat and are very bad for your health. From our childhood, we have learned about healthy nutrients, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins that our body needs for energy, to absorb the vitamins, and to protect our metabolism. 

Let’s learn about what types of fats are good for you.

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1. Ghee

According to Ayurveda, ghee is a healthy source of edible fat. It is found that ghee has medium-chain fatty acids that can be utilized by our body quickly, and they get absorbed faster compared to seed oils. 

Ghee has a lot of nutritional benefits and contains vitamins A, E, and K. Ghee is also known to enhance digestion by stimulating the secretion of stomach acids and aiding in the absorption of nutrients. Ghee is also very good for the skin and is used to treat burns, and moisturize skin due to its healing properties. Therefore, remember one thing: if you want to make your celebrations really healthy and happy, opt for ghee and say NO to seed oils. 

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2. Coconut oil: 

Coconut oil is the oil that is extracted from the mature coconuts. Researchers say coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCT’s), which can be metabolized differently. Also, these medium-chain triglycerides are a quick source of energy and help in fat burning. Also, using coconut oil helps reduce calorie intake and control weight. Coconut oil also boosts brain functions, as the ketones are produced from MCTs in coconut oil.

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Festive Healthy Recipes—Made with love by Team iThrive:

Besan Ladoo

Ingredients

• Organic Besan: 100gm
• Honey: 2-3 tbsp
• Ghee: 1 tbsp
• Nutmeg powder: 1 pinch
• Cardamom Powder: 1 pinch or as per taste 
• Raisins (6-8 for garnishing)

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Procedure

1. In a wok, add ghee and roast the besan on a low flame until it turns golden brown with a slight aroma.
2. Add honey to it.
3. Mix nutmeg powder and cardamom powder as per taste and give it a good mix.
4. Take small portions of the mixture to prepare laddoos.
5. Add raisins on top of each and serve.

Recipe link: click here

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Jowar Flakes Chiwda

Ingredients

• Jowar flakes: 200 gm
• Curry leaves: 2-3 stalks
• Chana Dal: 20 gm
• Green chillies: 4-5 chillies
• Mustard seeds: 1 tsp
• Coconut oil: 50 ml spoon 

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Procedure

1. In a pan, add 50 ml of coconut oil. Once hot, add 1 teaspoon mustard seeds and let it splutter. Now, add chopped green chillies, washed curry leaves, and chana dal, followed by sautéing on a medium flame for 2-3 minutes.
2. Add turmeric, salt, red chili powder, and jowar flakes. Mix well and cook on a medium flame for 2-3 minutes while stirring constantly. Keep aside to cool completely.
3. Store the chiwda in an airtight container and use as required.

Recipe Video: Click here