New Delhi, October 20 (IANS). Sweets have special importance in the festival of Diwali. At present in India, people buy and eat many traditional sweets like laddu, jalebi, gulab jamun, rasgulla from the market, but have you ever thought how deeply the oil used in these sweets can affect your health?
Nowadays, most of the sweets are made in refined oil and this is the most ‘bitter’ truth of ‘sweet’. Because refined oil is oil that is processed with chemicals, hydrogen gas, bleaching agents and high temperatures so that its color, smell and taste appear attractive. It is not cold-pressed or purified like natural oils like mustard, coconut or sesame oil.
In simple words, it is unnaturally purified fat, which is very harmful for the body. Making sweets in refined oil is harmful for health in many ways.
First of all, when heated, it forms trans fat, which causes heart disease, obesity and increased blood sugar. Additionally, at high temperatures the composition of the oil changes and free radicals are produced, which damage cells and accelerate the aging process, reducing the glow of the skin.
The chemicals present in refined oil affect the endocrine system, which can increase problems like thyroid and PCOD. The liver also has to work harder to digest these chemicals and trans fats, which can lead to fatty liver and digestive disorders.
Additionally, sweets are already high in sugar and being made in refined oil increases insulin resistance, which also increases the risk of diabetes.
According to Ayurveda, pure desi ghee is the safest option, which increases good fats and strengthens digestion. Cold-pressed oils, such as mustard, coconut, peanut or sesame oil, are chemical-free and rich in antioxidants. Making sweets at home, using jaggery or coconut sugar, baking or frying instead of frying and not heating oil frequently are all beneficial for health.
According to Ayurveda, oil or ghee is not only a source of taste but also a source of vitality and mental balance. Refined oil unbalances Vata, Pitta and Kapha of the body. There are no vitamins, minerals or enzymes left in it, it is called ‘dead oil’. Therefore, this Diwali, while keeping your health in mind, use pure and natural oils and enjoy sweets safely.
–IANS
PIM/AS
