Generally oils derived from plant and vegetables are better
than oils and fats obtained from animals (saturated fats).
Essential fatty acids can be obtained from sunflower,
rapeseed and soyabean oils.
Hence sunflower oil is preffered over other oils. However
hydrogenated vegetable oils (Dalda etc., solid at room
temperatures) should be avoided at best as possible.
However for patients suffering from coronary heart disease,
saffola is not that good as it may be projected by some
groups.It should be kept in mind that oils containing MUFA
or mono-unsaturated fatty acids ( as in peanuts) are
only good for heart as it contains a large amount of MUFA
in it.
Oils and Ghee’s can be basiclly classified under four
categories viz:
- Trans Fatty Acids (TFA)-- Daldas and other hydrogenated
Vegetable Oils.
- Saturated Fatty Acids (SFA)-- Many Oils have good amount
of this component.
Poly-unsaturated Fatty acids (PUFA).
Mono-unsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFA).
Sun Flower Oils have PUFA which reduces LDL along with
HDL also and this is not definitely good for a CHD or
coronary heart disease patient.
So far CHD patients are concerned, only 10% of calories
should be from oil. Oils with MUFA is best for CHD patients
as it reduces LDL(low density lipoproteins) only without
affecting HDL (high density lipoproteins) part.
Peanut or ground nuts have plenty of MUFA. Almond also is
good in a similar way.
CHD patients should double check before switching over
from one product to another.
Groundnut oil has plenty of MUFA and this helps in
maintaining levels of HDL(high density lipoproteins) which
is very important from good blood chemistry point of view.
CONCLUSION : Can recommend Sunflower Oil to a friend who
does not have any heart problem. Not recommended for friends
with CHD (coronary heart disease).
Ghee made from cow milk is a very good alternative for oil
if one can afford. The quality of oil gets deteoriated
further upon heating or boiling.
Teflon coated utensils can be used to cut down the
requirements of oil.
For non-veg people, oils form chicken/fish etc. are good
enough and further addition of oil is not recommended as
it is not good for health.