During the winter season, the consumption of fried and roasted foods increases and the aromas rising from the kitchen often increase our appetite, however, experts warn that excessive oil used in food can be harmful to the arteries of the heart.
According to cardiologists, cooking oil is an important component of dishes, but if its quantity exceeds the limit, it can upset the cholesterol balance in the body and cause heart diseases.
According to Hindustan.com, Dr. Harnish Singh Bhatia, Consultant Cardiologist at Fortis Hospital Greater Noida, says that the most frequently asked question by heart patients is what should be the appropriate amount of oil for daily cooking?
According to him, three to four tablespoons, i.e. about twenty to twenty-five grams of oil, are sufficient for a healthy person daily, but if its quantity increases continuously, it can gradually affect heart health.
According to experts, if the amount is looked at on a weekly and monthly basis, about 150 to 170 grams of oil per week and 600 to 700 grams of oil per month is considered sufficient for an individual.
This amount is only for the oil used for cooking at home, it does not include fried food from the market, bakery products or packaged foods, which further increase the amount of oil.
The oil used in fast food, street food and bakery products is not only high but also often of poor quality, which can be a double whammy for heart health.
Excessive use of oil can lead to an increase in bad cholesterol in the body, obesity and abdominal fat, which in turn increases the risk of blood pressure, diabetes and blockage of the heart arteries.
According to experts, since separate oils are used in vegetables, lentils and tadka in our food, most people unknowingly use more oil than the prescribed limit.
Health experts say that a balanced use of different oils is more beneficial than using the same type of oil continuously.
Mustard or peanut oil is considered suitable for daily cooking, while rice bran and sunflower oil should be used in limited quantities.
Olive oil is a better choice for salads or light cooking, while ghee and butter should be used in very small quantities.
If you take a little care in cooking methods, the amount of oil can be easily reduced.
Using a non-stick or iron frying pan, measuring oil, boiling, steaming and lightly frying are beneficial for heart health. Along with this, avoiding fried foods in the market also plays an important role in keeping the heart healthy.
Health experts say that it is important to pay special attention to the amount of oil in the food of children and the elderly. Too much oil in children can lead to obesity, while in the elderly it can increase heart, blood pressure and sugar problems.
Therefore, it is better to adjust the diet according to age rather than adopting the principle of the same amount for each member of the family.
