Who doesn’t love a ghee wala paratha for breakfast on weekends? Sunday mornings absolutely call for it. Often people do not care for the kind of oil they use to cook their meat, vegetables and curries. Some foods require cooking in oil while others require hydrogenated oil or ghee to have the desired flavor. While they offer different flavors and tastes, it is important to know which kind of oil you consume and how it can affect your health.
In this blog, you will find out how cooking oil differentiates from hydrogenated oil and desi ghee.
What is Cooking Oil?
Oil is a thick viscous liquid obtained from plants or synthetic fats. Different types of cooking oils include sunflower oil, canola oil, vegetable oil, olive oil and many more. They consist of trans-fats which help you gain the required nutrients you need for your body to function properly.
Cooking oil undergoes two basic steps to be formed. First, it is extracted from either seeds, fruits or nuts. Then it goes through a refining process which enhances its flavor, appearance, texture and smell. Cooking oil burns more easily than ghee as they have a low smoke point. This means it can break down and release harmful chemicals upon reaching a certain temperature.
Pros of Cooking Oil:
- Obtained naturally
- Fulfills the required nutrients
- Wide variety
- Weight control properties
Cons of Cooking Oil:
- May cause indigestion
- Lower stability
- Lesser shelf life
- Lower smoke point
What is Hydrogenated Oil (Banaspati Ghee)?
As the name suggests, hydrogenated oil is obtained through the process of hydrogenation. The unsaturated liquid fats are solidified by adding hydrogen along with a nickel catalyst. The hydrogenation process makes the texture of this oil thick. It was basically made to reduce the cost, enhance the taste and have an extended shelf life.
Hydrogenated oil, more commonly known as banaspati ghee, contains trans fats and is high in calories. The high amount of trans fats present can pose a threat to the heart and other related diseases. It has a higher smoke point which means it does not burn easily. It is mostly used in cooking heavy meals like chicken or mutton karahis.
Pros of Hydrogenated Oil:
- Cost effective
- Higher smoke point
- Longer shelf life
- Higher stability
Cons of Hydrogenated Oil:
- Obtained chemically
- Heavy on stomach
- May cause heart problems
- May cause diabetes
Desi Ghee
It is a common myth among most people that desi ghee makes you fat but that is not true. In fact, desi ghee helps in digestion and can reduce excessive fats. Unlike banaspati ghee, desi ghee does not undergo any chemical changes which is why it is really good for your health. It is a kind of clarified butter naturally made up from buffalo’s or cow’s milk. Butter is heated up at high temperatures until oil is separated from it.
Desi ghee has a high smoke point which means that it can be used to cook food at high temperatures without breaking up. It is rich in antioxidants and vitamin A, D, E and K. Desi ghee is a suitable alternative for cooking oil but it is quite expensive to be used to cook everyday meals.
Based on the pros and cons of both the oils, you can choose which kind of oil suits you better in your everyday life. Overconsumption of anything can become a risk to your health. As long as they are used within the required proportion and in the appropriate way, they may not cause danger of any kind.
If you want to buy cooking oil or ghee, you can find them at OLX Pakistan.
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