India’s culinary heritage is a treasure, filled with the crunch of samosas, the spice of curries, and the comfort of a warm paratha. But with obesity on the rise—projections estimate 45 crore overweight adults by 2050—the Union Health Ministry is taking action to guide us toward healthier choices. Their new initiative requires canteens, schools, and workplaces to display the oil and sugar content in foods, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Fit India Campaign. This push for transparency is a wake-up call to rethink how we cook and eat. At the heart of this movement lies a simple, powerful solution: cold-pressed oils. These naturally extracted oils are not only packed with health benefits but also elevate the flavours of our favourite dishes. Let’s explore why cold-pressed oils are a game-changer and how they can support India’s journey to better health.
A Push for Transparency
The Health Ministry’s initiative is all about making informed choices easier. By introducing “Sugar and Oil Boards” in public spaces like canteens and school cafeterias, the government ensures we know exactly how much oil and sugar is in our snacks—be it a plate of fries, a kachori, or a vada. This transparency is a cornerstone of the Fit India Campaign, which promotes healthier eating habits and encourages physical activity across the nation. These boards act like a friendly guide, helping us understand what’s in our food so we can make choices that align with our health goals.
This focus on awareness opens the door to better ingredients, and cold-pressed oils are leading the way. Unlike refined oils, which are processed with high heat and chemicals that strip away nutrients, cold-pressed oils are made by gently pressing seeds or nuts at low temperatures. This traditional method, reminiscent of the wooden ghani used in Indian villages, preserves the oils’ natural vitamins, antioxidants, and authentic flavours. By choosing cold-pressed oils, we can enjoy our favourite foods while making healthier decisions that support the Fit India mission.
The Health Benefits of Cold-Pressed Oils
Cold-pressed oils are a return to the roots of Indian cooking, offering a blend of tradition and wellness. The low-temperature extraction process ensures they retain essential nutrients that refined oils often lose. Here’s a closer look at why they’re so beneficial:
Rich in Nutrients: Cold-pressed oils are packed with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which support heart health and help reduce inflammation. They also contain vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that promotes healthy skin and fights free radicals.
Heart-Friendly: Unlike refined oils, which may contain trans fats linked to heart disease, cold-pressed oils like mustard or groundnut can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels when used in moderation.
Flavourful and Versatile: Each oil has a unique taste—mustard oil’s pungent kick is perfect for North Indian curries, sesame oil adds a nutty depth to stir-fries, and coconut oil brings a creamy richness to South Indian dishes. These flavours enhance meals without compromising health.
Digestive Health: Some cold-pressed oils, like sesame, are known to support digestion and improve nutrient absorption, making them a smart addition to daily cooking.
For example, using cold-pressed groundnut oil for frying not only gives snacks like pakoras a deliciously nutty flavour but also ensures a higher smoke point, reducing the formation of harmful compounds during cooking. Similarly, cold-pressed coconut oil is a staple in coastal cuisines, offering a nutrient-rich alternative for tempering or sautéing.
How Awareness Drives Change
The Sugar and Oil Boards are more than just signs—they’re tools for empowerment. Imagine standing at a canteen counter, glancing at a board that shows a dish cooked in refined oil high in unhealthy fats. Next to it, you see a vegetable curry prepared with cold-pressed sesame oil. The choice becomes clear. This initiative, paired with the Fit India Campaign’s efforts to promote nutritious menus and physical activity in workplaces, creates a culture where healthy living feels accessible. It’s not about giving up the foods we love but about preparing them with ingredients that nourish our bodies.
The campaign also encourages small but meaningful changes, like printing health messages on office stationery or offering healthier options in workplace canteens. By highlighting the oil and sugar content in foods, the ministry is helping us connect the dots between what we eat and how we feel, paving the way for smarter, sustainable choices.
Practical Tips for Using Cold-Pressed Oils
Incorporating cold-pressed oils into your cooking is simple and can transform your meals. Here are some practical ways to get started:
Choose the Right Oil: Look for bottles labelled “cold-pressed” or “virgin” to ensure quality. Mustard oil is ideal for North Indian dishes like sarson ka saag, while sesame oil shines in stir-fries or marinades. Coconut oil is a go-to for South Indian recipes like dosas or curries, and groundnut oil works well for frying or roasting.
Cook with Care: To preserve their nutrients, use cold-pressed oils for low to medium-heat cooking, such as sautéing or tempering. For high-heat frying, opt for oils with higher smoke points, like groundnut or sunflower.
Store Properly: Keep oils in airtight containers in a cool, dark place to maintain their freshness and nutritional value.
Explore Creative Uses: Beyond cooking, cold-pressed oils can elevate other dishes. Drizzle sesame oil over a fresh salad, use olive oil for dips, or blend flaxseed oil into smoothies for a nutrient boost.
Balance with Variety: Rotate between different cold-pressed oils to enjoy a range of flavours and health benefits. Each oil brings something unique to the table, making your meals both diverse and nutritious.
Starting with these small steps can make a big impact, aligning your cooking with the Health Ministry’s focus on healthier eating.
Jivo Cold-Pressed Oils: Elevating Your Cooking
When it comes to choosing high-quality cold-pressed oils, Jivo stands out as a trusted name. Jivo’s range of cold-pressed oils—Mustard, Groundnut, Evoo, and more—is crafted with care to preserve the natural nutrients and authentic flavours of the seeds. Made using traditional pressing methods, Jivo oils are free from harmful chemicals and additives, ensuring you get the full health benefits and rich taste in every drop. Whether you’re frying crispy bhajiyas with groundnut oil, tempering a South Indian curry with coconut oil, or adding a zesty mustard oil tadka to your dal, Jivo’s oils bring quality and wellness to your kitchen. Explore Jivo’s cold-pressed oils to make your meals healthier and more delicious, supporting India’s shift toward mindful eating.
Building a Healthier India
The Health Ministry’s initiative to display oil and sugar content is a pivotal step in addressing India’s obesity challenge. By fostering transparency and encouraging better ingredient choices, it empowers us to take control of our health without sacrificing the joy of food. Cold-pressed oils, with their nutrient-rich profiles and authentic flavours, are a perfect ally in this journey. They honour India’s culinary traditions while aligning with the Fit India Campaign’s vision of a healthier, more active nation. By choosing Jivo cold-pressed oils, you’re not just cooking—you’re making a commitment to wellness. Let’s embrace these natural oils and take small, meaningful steps toward a healthier India, one flavourful meal at a time.