When it comes to cooking perfection, it is important to choose the proper cooking oil to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your food. But nowadays choosing the best cooking oil is also very complicated as there are many options available in the market.
Today we will share with you the best cooking oil available in the market that can enhance the flavours of your dishes while promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Now let’s dive in and explore the options that will not only benefit your health but also fit well with the Indian style of cooking.
The Downside of Cooking Oil
Before delving into the best cooking oils, it is necessary to understand why refined oils are not an ideal choice for a healthy lifestyle. Refined oils go through a multi-step process that involves high temperatures and chemical solvents, which destroy the healthy fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins present in the oil.
Furthermore, trans fats build up during this process, which makes refined oil harmful for consumption. Preservatives and foaming agents are added to extend shelf life, leaving a nutrition-depleted liquid that is packaged and sold as refined oil. Using refined oil regularly can lead to cancer, heart blockage, and even diabetes.
The Healthiest Choices Oils
Now, let’s explore the healthier option that is ideal for cooking. Cold pressing is an ancient method of oil extraction that does not use heat, ensuring that the vitamins, minerals, aroma, and flavor of the oil are retained. The best wood-pressed oils for cooking are sesame oil, mustard oil, peanut oil, and coconut oil.
Sesame Oil
Sesame oil, which is made from sesame seeds, is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Because of its high smoking point, it may be used for both shallow and deep frying. Indian cuisine benefits from its nutty flavor, particularly in the Andhra and Rajasthan areas.
- Puvi Cold Pressed Sesame Oil
- Anveshan Wood Pressed Black Sesame Oil
- IndicWisdom Wood Pressed White Sesame Oil
Mustard Oil
In North and Eastern India, mustard oil is frequently consumed, and it has a perfect balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Even though it is under fire in some nations, it has long been a mainstay of Indian cuisine and has a long list of health advantages.
- IndicWisdom Wood Pressed Mustard Oil
- Anveshan Wood Pressed Black Mustard Oil
- Dabur Cold Pressed Mustard Oil
Groundnut Oil
The high smoking point of groundnut oil, which is widely used in Gujarat and central India, makes it ideal for Indian cookery. It enhances the meals’ deep nutty flavor and goes well with the regional ingredients and techniques.
- Vedaka Cold Pressed Groundnut Oil
- Anveshan Wood Pressed Groundnut Oil
- Puvi Cold Pressed Groundnut Oil
Coconut Oil
It has been established that coconut oil, which is frequently criticized for its high level of saturated fat, also contains unique medium-chain fatty acids that raise beneficial cholesterol. It is good for both shallow and deep frying and has been used for generations in India.
- Coco Soul Cold Pressed Natural Virgin Coconut Oil
- Anveshan Wood Pressed Coconut Oil
- Max Care Cold Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil
Rice Bran Oil
Rice bran oil has gained popularity for its high smoking point and a very mild taste. It extracts from the outer layer of rice grains; its neutral flavor makes it suitable for various Indian cooking styles from frying to roasting. Moreover, it contains a balanced ratio of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats contributing to heart health.
Olive Oil
Olive oil has become more popular because of its health benefits, but for Indian cuisine, it may not be the best choice for several reasons. First, it is very costly making it unsuitable for regular cooking. Second, adulteration has become an issue due to the increase in demand for olive oil, making it less trustworthy. Last but not least, olive oil is not an ideal choice for Indian food as it best complements Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine but may not work as well with traditional Indian food.
Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil is extracts from sunflower seeds, it is a very popular choice nowadays because of its light taste, adaptability, and mild flavor. It is rich in antioxidants, low in saturated fats, and abundant in vitamin E making it a healthier option for daily Indian cooking.
Golden Butter Oil – Ghee
The healthy cooking fat ghee, sometimes referred to as clarified butter, is another choice. Since ghee has the highest smoking point of any oil, it may be used for a variety of culinary methods. Ghee may be recycled several times while still maintaining its health advantages, unlike other oils. Ghee is a quality cooking oil that you might take into consideration if your budget permits, despite being quite pricey.
The Regional Influence
The area one originates from has historically had a significant impact on the cooking oil one chooses. Coconut oil is a common cooking ingredient in Kerala, whereas sesame oil is used in Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan, and mustard oil is used extensively in North and Eastern India. In Gujarat and central India, groundnut oil is widely used. Each oil pairs well with the food and environment of the area, becoming an essential component of the local cuisine.
In Conclusion
Choose sesame oil, mustard oil, groundnut oil, or coconut oil that has been cold-pressed if you want to make the healthiest decision for your cooking. These oils are still natural and offer a variety of health advantages. Olive oil is nutritious, but given its price and compatibility with Indian cuisine, it might not be the best choice. Refined oils, on the other hand, ought to be avoided because of their negative health impacts.
You are responsible for your own health, therefore using the correct cooking oil is a straightforward yet effective step towards living a better lifestyle. Therefore, give up on processed oils and embrace the goodness of ghee or cold-pressed oils for a tasty and nourishing meal.
