High Cholesterol: Hyperlipidaemia (elevated cholesterol) is one of the biggest risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Among the biggest contributors for elevated cholesterol are cooking oils, especially reheated, vanaspati and palm oil.
In a recently shared video on Instagram, top nutritionist shared the side effects of reheated, vanaspati and palm oil.
What Is Elevated Cholesterol?
Cholesterol could be described as a fatty substance in the blood. While the body does require some cholesterol to function properly, excess of it or bad cholesterol (LDL) could build up in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
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1. Reheated Oil: A Silent Health Risk
Reusing and reheating oil time and again is a common practice in most home, roadside dhabas, eateries, hotels and restaurants. However, reheating oil could have devastating consequences. Oil when heated repeatedly could undergo a series of chemical changes. It starts breaking down to release harmful compounds such as toxic aldehydes and free radicals.
This could increase bad cholesterol (LDL), worsening cholesterol problems. It could also reduce good cholesterol (HDL) that reduces the protective cholesterol required by your body. Moreover, it could promote inflammation that may be damaging to blood vessels over time. Some compounds formed during reheating of oil may be carcinogenic in nature, increasing the risk of certain cancers.
2. Vanaspati Oil: The Hidden Trans Fat Danger
Also known as hydrogenated vegetable oil, Vanaspati Oil is primarily used in sweets, bakery products and fried snacks. It is usually popular among roadside dhabas and eateries as it is cheap and has a good shelf life. Trans fats in vanaspati oil could raise LDL cholesterol leading to artery blockage. It could reduce heart protection by reducing HDL cholesterol.
3. Palm Oil: Not as Healthy as It Seems
Widely used in packaged and fast foods, palm oil is extremely high in saturated fats that can severely impact cholesterol levels. It could also increase the risk of heart diseases and raise LDL cholesterol. Being dense in calories and easy to over-consume, palm oil could severely impact the health of blood vessels.
Choose healthy alternatives such as olive, mustard, groundnut, sunflower or rice bran oil in moderation.
Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides general information only. It is not a substitute for a qualified medical opinion in any way. The methods and claims mentioned in this article should be considered as suggestions only; DNP India neither confirms nor denies them. Always consult a doctor before following any such suggestions/treatments/medications/diets.
