Which oil is the best for your health? Gurgaon-based doctor Dr. Anshuman Kaushal, known as The Angry Doc on social media, has the answer. In a recent Instagram video, he explains the science behind different oils and their impact on heart health, backed by references from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the American Heart Association (AHA).
Dr. Kaushal clarifies that not all fats are created equal. Monounsaturated fats (MUFA), found in olive oil, groundnut oil, and mustard oil, are beneficial for heart health as they help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Poly-unsaturated fats (PUFA), such as those in sunflower, soya, and mustard oil, provide essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that support overall heart and brain function. However, these oils should not be overheated or reused for frying.
Saturated fats, like those in coconut oil and ghee, can raise both the "good" HDL and "bad" LDL cholesterol, so moderation is key. Trans fats, commonly found in hydrogenated oils like vanaspati ghee, are the real villains. The WHO warns that eliminating these trans fats could save up to 500,000 lives annually by reducing heart attacks and strokes.
Dr. Kaushal recommends a practical plan: use olive oil for salads or light sautéing, mustard oil for tempering Indian curries and adding flavor to parathas or poha, groundnut oil for occasional deep frying, and sunflower or soya oil for everyday cooking. Keep coconut oil and ghee for special recipes or a few times a week. The key is to use the right oil for the right purpose and avoid those harmful trans fats.
