Oil is a common ingredient found in our kitchens and is used in many of our favourite recipes. Each kind of oil is usually named after the part of the plant it comes from, like a nut or seed. It is commonly known by the type of fat it contains the most.
Some oils are more suitable for high-heat cooking as they transform when heated. As we fry food, the oil temperature increases and combines with humidity and air. This leads to chemical processes that alter the oil and impact its flavour. Considering how the oil was manufactured is essential, as this can affect its cooking performance and nutritional value.
Ayurvedic Perspective
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to anything in Ayurveda and this applies to cooking oil as well. Cooking oil should be chosen based on Dosha imbalances and the health of the individual.
Sesame oil
Due to its qualities like sharpness (Tikshna) and penetrating (Sookshma), it is the best oil for the absorption of nutrients. It also helps sharpen your Agni.
Mustard oil
Mustard oil is a highly heating oil. It is advisable to avoid using mustard oil entirely if you have psoriasis, eczema and other diseases that lead to flare-ups. However, it is suitable for people with diabetes.
Coconut oil
If you exercise a lot and get exhausted quickly, use coconut oil. This cooling oil suits people with gastric issues but is not the best if you are trying to lose weight.
Ghee
Ghee is the best when used at medium temperature. It enhances digestion and also nourishes, rejuvenates and replenishes the blood, muscles, bones and reproductive tissues. However, go easy on ghee if you have extreme indigestion and liver diseases.
Peanut oil
Peanut oil can be consumed if your digestion is on point. It can be Vata aggravating, so if you have issues like malabsorption or sluggish digestion, it is better to reduce until the digestion becomes normal.
Refined vegetable oils
Canola oil, safflower oil and sunflower oil are all highly processed and unsuitable for consumption.
Olive oil is not mentioned in the Samhitas because it isn’t native to India.
According to Ayurveda, if something is Satmya (favourable by habit), it won’t cause any disturbance in your body. However, it does not work in the case of oils. If you grew up consuming refined oils, then that’s not helpful. It may have become favourable by habit for you, but let’s not repeat the same mistake for the next generation!
Oil is essential for cooking, but the mandatory point is to choose the wise option among all. Choosing the best oil depends on your Dosha imbalances and health. So, weighing all the positive and negative effects and moving on with the correct option is critical.