As a health expert, I’m often asked about the best cooking oils in India for keeping your heart in top shape. With so many options on the shelves, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But today, I want to share some exciting insights from a study that looked at two popular oils—canola and sunflower—and how they can help people with dyslipidemia (that’s just a fancy term for unhealthy cholesterol levels). Both oils can work wonders for your heart, but let’s dive into the details in a way that feels natural and easy to understand.
A Simple Study with Big Results
Imagine you’re trying to get your cholesterol under control. You’ve heard that swapping out heavy, processed fats for healthier oils can make a difference. A 2017 study published in the Medical Journal of the Islamic Republic of Iran put this idea to the test. They took 96 people with dyslipidemia and split them into two groups: one used canola oil, and the other used sunflower oil in their daily cooking for six months. The goal? To see how these oils affect cholesterol levels and body measurements like weight and waist size.
Here’s what they found out:
Canola Oil Group: Their bad cholesterol (LDL-C) dropped significantly, total cholesterol went down, triglycerides (another type of fat in the blood) decreased, and their good cholesterol (HDL-C) got a nice boost.
Sunflower Oil Group: Guess what? They saw the same awesome changes—lower bad cholesterol, less total cholesterol, fewer triglycerides, and more good cholesterol.
The best part? Both oils worked equally well. Whether you choose canola or sunflower, you’re giving your heart a helping hand. And here’s something else: neither oil changed body weight, BMI, or waist size, so you don’t have to worry about gaining weight while making this healthy switch.
Why These Oils Shine
So, why are canola and sunflower oils some of the best healthy oils in India? It’s all about their makeup. Both are rich in heart-friendly fats—monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats—that help lower the bad stuff (LDL cholesterol and triglycerides) while boosting the good stuff (HDL cholesterol). Unlike heavily refined oils, these oils (especially when cold-pressed oils) keep their natural nutrients intact, which is why I always recommend looking for the best cold pressed oils in India. Cold-pressing avoids harsh chemicals and high heat, preserving the oil’s natural goodness, like antioxidants and vitamins, which support your overall health.
Canola or Sunflower: Which Should You Pick?
Since the study showed both oils are equally effective for improving cholesterol, your choice might come down to taste, cooking needs, or availability. Here’s a quick guide:
Canola Oil: Mild and neutral, it’s super versatile. Use it for sautéing, baking, or even drizzling over salads. It’s a great pick if you want an oil that doesn’t overpower your dish’s flavours. For purity, taste, and health, cold-pressed canola oil is the best edible oil to go with.
Sunflower Oil: Has a slightly nutty vibe, which can add a subtle richness to your cooking. It’s awesome for stir-frying or roasting veggies. You get the most nutrients if you choose cold-pressed sunflower oil for everyday cooking.
Both types of oils have a decent smoke point, making them suitable for everyday Indian cooking, from tadkas to light frying. If you’re managing dyslipidemia or just want to keep your heart happy, either one can be among the best cooking oils in India for your kitchen.
Tips for Using These Oils the Healthy Way
To get the most out of canola or sunflower oil, here are a few tips I share with my clients:
Go Cold-Pressed: Choose cold-pressed versions to ensure you’re getting the maximum nutrients. These oils are extracted without heat or chemicals, keeping their heart-healthy properties intact.
Store Smart: Keep your oils in a cool, dark place to prevent them from going rancid. This helps maintain their quality and flavour.
Use in Moderation: Even the best healthy oils in India are calorie-dense, so use them wisely—about 1-2 tablespoons per person per day is a good rule of thumb.
Mix It Up: Pair these oils with a balanced diet full of veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins to really boost your heart health.
Health Pro: Jivo’s Best Cold-Pressed Oils
If you’re looking to bring these heart-healthy benefits to your kitchen, I highly recommend checking out Jivo’s healthy cold-pressed cooking oils – canola and sunflower oils. Jivo is known for producing some of the best cold pressed oils in India, crafted with care to preserve the natural nutrients and flavours.
Jivo’s cold-pressed canola oil is perfect for all-purpose cooking, while their sunflower oil adds a delightful touch to your dishes. By choosing Jivo, you’re not only picking oils that support your cholesterol goals but also supporting a brand that prioritizes quality and health.
Jivo Cold Pressed Canola Oil
Jivo Cold Pressed Canola Oil is a heart-healthy cooking oil, extracted using a chemical-free cold-pressing method that preserves vital nutrients and natural flavour. Sourced from premium Canadian farms, this oil is renowned for its low saturated fat content, rich omega-3 fatty acids, and high levels of monounsaturated fats, making it an ideal choice for health-conscious kitchens4.
- Rich in Omega-3 and Vitamin E: Supports cardiovascular health and provides antioxidant protection.
- Low in Saturated Fat: Contains the least saturated fat versus most common cooking oils, aiding cholesterol management.
- Neutral Flavour & High Smoke Point: Highly versatile for frying, baking, sautéing, grilling, and salad dressings; doesn’t overpower food flavours.
- Diabetes-Friendly: Helps lower glycemic load, supporting blood sugar management1.
- Non-GMO, No Trans Fats: Free from cholesterol and artificial additives.
Jivo Cold Pressed Sunflower Oil
Jivo’s Cold Pressed Sunflower Oil is crafted using traditional cold-press extraction, ensuring preservation of natural antioxidants, vitamin E, and healthy polyunsaturated fats. Ideal for the modern kitchen, this oil offers a light texture and high smoke point, promoting both wellness and flavour retention in daily meals.
- Rich in Vitamin E & Antioxidants: Protects cells from oxidative stress and supports immune health.
- High Polyunsaturated Fats: Helps reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and improves heart health.
- Neutral Taste & Light Texture: Perfect for frying, baking, sautéing, and salad dressings.
- Cold-Pressed Purity: No chemicals or heat used, ensuring maximum nutrient retention and natural aroma.
Bringing Home the Best Cold-Pressed Oils in India
When it comes to supporting heart health and enhancing your meals, Jivo’s cold-pressed canola and sunflower oils stand out among the best cold-pressed oils in India. Carefully crafted to retain essential nutrients, these oils offer the right balance of healthy fats while elevating both taste and nutrition. Choosing Jivo ensures your family enjoys delicious dishes with the added confidence that you’re caring for their well-being with some of the best and healthy cold-pressed oils available in the Indian market.