Oil is the most essential and widely used ingredient in Indian households. It enhances the taste and flavour of the food drastically. But do you have any idea how poisonous it can be to your health if keep on reusing the same cooking oil for various purposes? Since oil is used very frequently in all Indian households, in order to avoid the wastage of oil many people reuse it. Well, you need to understand that this practice is extremely unsafe for you and your loved ones and can lead to a number of health problems.
National Nutrition Week 2021: Harmful effects of reusing cooking oil
1. A high amount of toxins released
When oil is reused for cooking, a higher concentration of toxic chemicals, Aldehydes are being released that have been associated with many health conditions such as heart-related disorders, dementia, cancer, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's disease. Similarly, one more toxin substance known as 4-hydroxy-trans-2-nominal (HNE) is released on reusing cooking oil which alters the functioning of DNA, RNA, and proteins in our body.
A high amount of toxins are released if you reuse cooking oil
Photo Credit: iStock
2. Gives rise to trans fatty level of oil
Do you know that when cooking oil is reused its trans-fatty level increases? Yes! It is proved to be hazardous for health since it increases levels of bad cholesterol which can increase the risks of heart disease or blockage in the arteries, stroke, and chest pain. In fact, it decreases good cholesterol levels too. So, avoid reusing cooking oil to protect yourself from cholesterol-related disorders which can aggravate further in no time.
Also read: National Nutrition Week: Medicinal Properties Of Food You Cannot Miss
3. Leads to rancidity of oil
Rancidity is the process by which oils and fats become partially or completely oxidized after slight exposure to moisture, air, or even light. Due to this reason, it's chemical composition changes drastically and gives a bad odour and foul taste, each time it is used for cooking. For safe health practices, it is best to avoid reusing cooking oils and prevent toxins present in such oils.
Also read: National Nutrition Week: Expert Explains Importance Of Protein For Health; Know Vegan Sources
4. Shoots up blood pressure level
Blood pressure levels can increase significantly when repeatedly heated oil is being used for consumption. Food containing repeatedly heated oil results in lower nitric oxide content and heme oxygenase concentration, and higher plasma angiotensin-converting enzyme levels. This can result in oxidative stress, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and lipid deposition.
Reusing cooking oil can also affect your blood pressure levels
Photo Credit: iStock
5. Poses carcinogenic risks
Reusing edible oils can generate a number of compounds, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), some of which have been involved to have carcinogenic potential risk. Likewise, decomposed oils or fats are a risk factor for mutation and alteration in the gene which can initiate cancer spread, especially colon cancer. Consumption of these repeatedly heated oils can pose a serious health hazard, so it is best to avoid using them due to health concerns.
Also read: National Nutrition Week: Top 9 Trace Minerals You Should Add To Your Diet; Know Food Sources
Footnote:
Now you must have understood the harmful effects of reusing cooking oil. It is advised to properly estimate the amount of oil required for frying, cooking, etc so that you stay healthy and disease-free all your life.
(Nmami Agarwal is a Nutritionist at NmamiLife)
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. NDTV is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of NDTV and NDTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same
