When we talk about healthy food there comes in mind about oil. Here we will explain in detail about “Mustard oil versus Refined oil: Know which is best for your health”
We come across several advertisements, advocating different forms of oil that we should be using. But this arises the question that which oil is actually good for us and which is not?
What we must consider while selecting oil which is good for our overall health and well-being.
Cooking is not possible without oil. However several myths are prevalent about oils. Some claim that oils are not good for health and lead to many diseases but some studies say that few oils are beneficial for health and can help in the overall development of the body.
We all love to eat, so food is an inseparable part of our lives. Due to the increased diseases and health problems, there is awareness among people about healthy cooking and a clean lifestyle.
We all make deliberate efforts to eat healthily and stay fit.
What is Refined Oil?
Let’s first understand what refined oil or vegetable oil is? Refined oils are extracted from various plants and their sources. They are procured from different sources such as seeds, nuts, herbs, legumes, and fruits.
The most commonly used refined oils are soybean oil, corn oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, and peanut oil. Although there are several more refined oils available in the market.
How Refined Oil is Produced?
Refined oil, is a product obtained after treating natural oils with various chemicals. Due to its extraction through the process that involves chemical makes it very harmful. This can cause various diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart and kidney ailments, among others.
The mechanical and chemical processes also use solvents such as hexane and are heated at very high temperature, which affects the quality and nutrition value of refined edible oil.
Since refined oils are treated chemically, these oils are tasteless and can adapt to the food’s natural taste. Due to this reason, people prefer it often over mustard.
In general, all vegetable oils are claimed to be cholesterol-free, but actually, they are not. They contain some saturated and unsaturated fats and as we all know saturated fats, do play a role in increasing blood cholesterol level which is harmful to cardiac health.
Why Refined Oils are Harmful to Health?
1. Chemical Exposure
When refined oils are exposed to chemicals it increases the carcinogenic properties of the oil tremendously. The chemicals like nickel and hexane adversely affect the liver, respiratory organs, skin, and other major organs very significantly.
2. Preservatives
To increase the shelf life of refined oils harmful preservative are used. These preservatives are very detrimental to health and cause serious hazards to the body.
3. Adverse Effects on the Digestive System
When refined oil is consumed over a long period of time, it will adversely affect the digestive system. This is due to the fact that refined oil contains sodium hydroxide which is very harmful.
4. Use of Bleaching Agent
One of the major causes of refined oil’s harmful effect is its use of bleaching agents. Several bleaches are used to deacidification, deodorization, and dewaxing of the oil which may cause various diseases in our body.
5. Exposure to High Temperature
The oil is exposed to high heat for refining which eliminates all the natural goodness and quality of the oil. This makes it very harmful and not suitable for health.
The problem with heating oil to high temperatures is that it creates free radicals that may cause cancer and atherosclerosis.
What is Mustard Oil?
Mustard oil (Sarson ka tel) is also a vegetable oil and is extracted from seeds of the mustard plant. The oil is extracted from clean and sound mustard seeds.
Mostly mustard oil is a traditional oil and used for the edible purpose in many states of India namely J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Madya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Chattisgarh, West Bengal, Jharkhand, and some regions of Maharastra & northeastern states.
Noticeably, India is the fourth largest oilseed producing country in the world, with mustard seeds playing a major part in this.
What is Kachchi Ghani Mustard Oil and How it is Produced?
Kachchi Ghani refers to the cold press extraction process for taking out oil from seeds. Traditionally, oil from seeds was extracted in kohlus (a wooden cold press used with the help of a cow).
In this process, seeds are crushed at a low temperature so natural properties, antioxidants, and essential oils are retained in the oil.
Kachchi Ghani mustard oil is expected to be rich in presence of natural essential oil (allyl isothiocyanate) as it is extracted through cold pressing processes that retain the natural properties of mustard in the end product and gives positive health impacts.
Why Mustard Oil is good for health?
1. Stimulant
Mustard oil is very effective in stimulating excretion, digestion and blood circulation. It stimulates circulation very effectively if it is used for massage.
It also boosts digestion by producing bile and gastric juices from the liver and spleen. This is a very effective and strong stimulant.
2. Appetizer
When this oil is used for cooking it acts as an appetizer and improves hunger and digestion as well.
3. Antibacterial
Mustard is antibacterial in nature. If it used to cook food and taken internally it fights bacterial infections in the urinary tract, digestive system, excretory system, colon and so on.
It treats bacterial infections of the skin as well if applied externally.
4. Insect repellent
Insects and other small animals stay away from this oil. Hence, mustard oil acts as an insect repellent too. This oil can also be used in vaporizers and fumigants for driving away insects.
5. Anti-fungal
Mustard oil contains Allyl isothiocyanate so it serves as an antifungal agent. It prevents fungal growth and even inhibits fungal growth if there is any.
6. Hair Vitaliser
Mustard oil acts as a hair vitaliser due to the presence of fatty acids like linoleic acid and oleic acid. The combination of both makes it an effective hair vitaliser. Since it is a good stimulant it enhances blood circulation in the scalp and the fatty acids nourish the roots and scalp of hair.
Its regular use prevents greying of hair and prevents hair fall and dandruff.
7. Anti-arthritic and Anti-rheumatic
Mustard oil gives relief from arthritis and rheumatism due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Regular massage has a tremendous effect in the case of pain, aches, and arthritis.
8. Skin Benefits
Mustard oil has ample skin benefits. Mustard oil is rich in vitamins A, B complex, and E – all of which promote anti-aging and healthy skin. The rich amount of vitamin E in this oil protects your skin from the harmful UV rays and toxins.
It also prevents dryness and itching. Regular massaging with mustard oil on your face can significantly reduce tan, dark spots, and skin pigmentation.
9. Other Benefits
There are several other benefits of mustard oil. This is very effective in curing a cold, cough, body pains and aches, congestion caused by cold, headache, asthma and its massage is good for muscular growth.
It is also good for dental care. It protects the teeth from decay and strengthens the gum when massaged with mustard oil mixed with salt and turmeric.
10. Anti-Cancer Properties
It has been proved time and time again that mustard oil has strong cancer-fighting properties. Since it contains enough amount of linolenic acid, which when converted to Omega-3 fatty acid, aids to prevent colon and stomach cancers.
Final Words
Now after knowing all these about Mustard oil and Refined Oil, you can easily make out what oil is good for your health and what is not? It is time to take some action for your health. Eliminate very harmful refined oils from your life and safeguard your family and yourself from harmful health effects.
I hope you like this in-depth article “Mustard oil versus Refined oil: Know which is best for your health”.
Kindly comment on your suggestions and feedback on this.
Note: If you like to have pure, healthy and best quality Kisan Brand “Kachchi Ghani” Mustard Oil, click on the link to get the list of vendors near you.
Stay Healthy and Fit !!