In an article published on the Hindustan Times, a cardiologist warns about the potential risk of increased heart disease, cancer, and obesity associated with the consumption of highly processed and treated daily cooking oils. The heart expert highlights that certain seed oils often labelled as ‘heart-friendly ‘ may not benefit your heart health and could, in fact, deteriorate it. He explains that these seed oils undergo high heat and chemical treatments during processing, which strip away their nutritional properties. The cardiologist advises consumers to opt for less processed or the best cold-pressed cooking oils in India to protect their heart and overall health from the harmful effects of highly processed cooking oils.
What’s Harmful About Highly Processed Cooking Oils?
The cardiologist mentions the depletion of nutrients and oxidation of oils, which happens during the extraction of seed oils when they are heated at high temperatures and processed chemically. Once oxidation of oil occurs, it means the oil is almost void of nutrients and may contain byproducts of oxidation, such as harmful compounds that have the potential to adversely affect health, particularly contributing to heart disease, cancer, and obesity. The heart expert further highlights that the cooking oils used in restaurants, which are repeatedly heated and reused, can cause health problems. Reusing oils causes the formation of toxic aldehydes and chemicals that can alter the DNA and cause inflammation. Aldehydes are formed due to the oxidative degradation of polyunsaturated fats. It’s true, repeated heating of cooking oils can cause the saturated fat to degrade and form trans fats, and we know they are not healthy as they raise the risk of heart disease and stroke. To ensure your cooking oil contains its natural nutrients, switch to the best cooking oils in India – Cold-Pressed Oils.
What to Look for in the Best Cooking Oils in India (Cold-Pressed)
There are many types of cooking oils that claim to be heart-healthy and contain organic nutrients. Consumers looking for the best cooking oils in India often get confused and impulsively buy oils that claim maximum health benefits, while others go by discount and low price. Buying cooking oils based on false claims and offers is not the right basis for choosing a healthy cooking oil. Let us discuss the right way of choosing a healthy cooking oil.
Natural Processing
To ensure your cooking oil holds the natural nutrients, you need to look out for the term ‘cold pressed’ while scanning the label. Cold-pressed cooking oils are considered healthy because they are naturally extracted, mechanically pressed. The seeds are pressed, exerting high pressure at minimal temperature to extract oil. No chemicals are used during this process, which ensures the purity of the oil. The nutrients of the oil are not depleted and hold the natural health-enhancing properties. Choosing the best cold-pressed cooking oils of Jivo in your daily cooking may help improve your overall health.
Healthy Fats
What makes an oil healthy is its ingredients, and checking the fat profile is not optional; it is essential. Monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fats are the key ingredients in a cooking oil, and their presence is vital. These fats hold health-beneficial properties that have positive effects on cardiovascular functions, especially cholesterol, and overall health. MUFA should ideally be higher than PUFA in cooking oils, as it is more heat-stable. Excess omega-6 from PUFA can harm health, while a MUFA-rich oil helps maintain a healthy fat balance. Make sure to check for these healthy fats while buying the best cooking oils in India.
Unhealthy Fats
It is important for buyers to always check the nutrition label for saturated fats and trans fats before purchasing cooking oils. Both types of fats have significant health implications, especially regarding heart health. Many health organizations recommend less intake of saturated fat as it is linked to increased LDL (Bad) cholesterol, raising the risk of heart disease and stroke. Some oils, like coconut and palm oil, are naturally high in saturated fats and can raise cholesterol more than oils high in unsaturated fats. Trans fat is a big ‘No,’ as it is considered more harmful than saturated fat. Trans fats are often found in oils that have been partially hydrogenated. Look for “partially hydrogenated oils” in the ingredients list, even if the label claims “0g trans fat.”
Best cooking oils in India to go with
Cardiologists often recommend cold-pressed or minimally processed oils because these methods preserve the oil’s natural antioxidants, vitamins, and beneficial fatty acids. Unlike refined oils, which undergo high heat and chemical treatments, cold-pressed oils retain essential nutrients that support cardiovascular health. You can try the best cooking oils in India of Jivo, as all its cooking oils are cold-pressed and chemical-free, and most are vitamin fortified.
Cold-Pressed Canola Oil
Jivo is the largest seller of cold-pressed canola oil in India, and this oil is considered healthy owing to its natural extraction process, which involves directly crushing the seeds without using high heat or chemicals. This method helps preserve the oil’s natural nutrients, antioxidants, and flavour, ensuring a high-quality product that retains its health benefits. One of the standout features of Jivo cold-pressed canola oil is its exceptionally low saturated fat content, the lowest among commonly used cooking oils, which plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of heart disease. This healthy cooking oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are known to help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and maintain healthy blood pressure levels. It contains a good amount of omega-3 fatty acids (alpha-linolenic acid), which further contribute to heart protection by reducing inflammation and supporting healthy cholesterol balance. Jivo cold-pressed canola oil is suitable for all types of cooking due to its high smoke point and neutral flavour, making it one of the best cooking oils in India.
Cold-Pressed Kachi Ghani Mustard Oil
The term “Kachi Ghani” refers to the cold-pressing process, where mustard seeds are crushed at low temperatures to extract oil without using high heat or chemicals. This is a natural process of extracting oils which helps preserve the oil’s natural antioxidants, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, making cold-pressed mustard oil far more nutritious than refined oils. Jivo cold-pressed kachi ghani mustard oil is particularly rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health as they help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL). This healthy cooking oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and positive effects on cardiovascular health. The oil is also a natural source of vitamin E, which acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting cells from damage and supporting skin health. Furthermore, the presence of natural compounds like allyl isothiocyanate gives mustard oil its distinct pungency and is believed to have antimicrobial and digestive benefits. Jivo cold-pressed kachi ghani mustard oil is one of the best cooking oils in India that may help support heart health, boost immunity, and overall health.
Cold-Pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil
For shallow frying, roasting, and baking, Jivo cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil would be a good option to go with for healthy cooking. Olive oil contains beneficial compounds like monounsaturated fats, particularly oleic acid, which is known to help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) while maintaining or even boosting good cholesterol (HDL). But what makes EVOO stand apart is its natural antioxidants, especially polyphenols and vitamin E. The antioxidants in olive oil help protect the body’s cells from oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are linked to heart disease and certain cancers. EVOO also contains plant sterols that further support heart health by helping regulate cholesterol levels. Because Jivo’s EVOO is made from the first cold pressing of olives without high heat or chemicals, it retains natural nutrients and flavours, making it one of the best cold-pressed oils in India for healthy cooking.
Healthy Ingredients in Cold-Pressed Oils vs. Refined Oils
| Ingredient/Compound | Cold-Pressed Oils | Refined Oils |
| Essential Fatty Acids | High levels of Omega-3, Omega-6, and Omega-9 (varies by oil type); better preserved | Significantly reduced due to high heat and chemical processing |
| Monounsaturated Fats | Present in high amounts (e.g., oleic acid in olive oil), beneficial for heart health | Present, but some loss during refining |
| Polyunsaturated Fats | Well preserved; includes healthy Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids | Reduced during refining process |
| Saturated Fats | Present naturally (e.g., lauric acid in coconut oil, MCTs) | Present, but no added health benefit from refining |
| Vitamin E | Retained in some oils (e.g., olive, avocado) | Largely diminished |
| Polyphenols | Abundant; provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits | Largely lost during refining |
| Phytosterols | Better preserved; helps lower cholesterol | Reduced due to processing |
| Tocopherols | High (a form of Vitamin E, strong antioxidant) | Reduced |
| Minerals | Retained in trace amounts (e.g., iron, calcium, magnesium in hemp/other seed oils) | Mostly lost during refining |
| Natural Enzymes | Preserved | Destroyed by heat |
| Natural Flavour & Aroma | Strong, natural flavour and aroma | Neutral, bland due to deodorization |
| Additives/Chemicals | None; pure oil | May contain chemical residues from solvents/bleaching agents |
| Antioxidants | High (polyphenols, tocopherols, lignans, etc.) | Significantly reduced |
Bring Home Health: Choosing the Best Cold-Pressed Cooking Oils
Performing checks before buying the right oil may seem like a hassle, but it is essential for safeguarding your heart and overall health. The nutrition label provides you with valuable insight into the healthy content of cooking oils, and a cardiologist’s recommendation can help you choose the best type of cooking oils in India -cold-pressed oils that support long-term heart health. These oils are naturally processed and retain maximum health benefits because they are extracted without the use of heat or chemicals, preserving their nutrients and antioxidants.
Jivo offers a wide range of cold-pressed cooking oils, such as canola, olive, and mustard oils, that are chemical-free and high in monounsaturated fats, making them a heart-healthy choice for daily use. These oils are known for their purity, natural flavour, and nutritional value, making them a wholesome option for health-conscious consumers.
Explore a wide range of Jivo’s best cold-pressed cooking oils that truly embody the essentials of healthy cooking oils and can help improve your overall well-being.