The Power of Non-Inflammatory Cooking Oils for Your Health

Cooking oils are a staple in nearly every kitchen, but did you know that the type of oil you use can have a significant impact on your health? Most people are familiar with oils, but many don’t realize that the wrong types can contribute to inflammation, weight gain, and other health issues. On the flip side, non-inflammatory oils can help reduce these risks and even promote heart and brain health.

In this blog, we’re diving into the world of non-inflammatory oils, how they benefit your body, and why they should be a regular part of your cooking routine—especially in Indian cuisine!

What Are Inflammatory and Non-Inflammatory Oils?

Before we dive into the specifics, let’s break down what inflammatory and non-inflammatory oils really mean:

• Inflammatory Oils: These are oils that tend to promote inflammation in the body. They are often high in omega-6 fatty acids, which, in excess, can cause oxidative stress and contribute to inflammation. Common examples of inflammatory oils include vegetable oil, corn oil, and canola oil.
• Non-Inflammatory Oils: These oils are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, monounsaturated fats, and antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation. These oils support heart health, improve brain function, and keep the body’s inflammatory responses in check. Common non-inflammatory oils include olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, and ghee.

So why should you choose non-inflammatory oils? Because they can support overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis.

The Problem with Seed Oils

In recent years, there’s been a growing shift toward avoiding seed oils in cooking. You’ve probably heard the term “non-seed oils” being used by health-conscious brands and wondered why. So, what’s the deal with seed oils?

Seed oils, such as canola oil, soybean oil, corn oil, and sunflower oil, are commonly used in processed foods and cooking because they are inexpensive to produce and have a high smoke point, making them easy for deep-frying and large-scale food production. However, there’s more to these oils than meets the eye.

Why Seed Oils Can Be Harmful

1. High Omega-6 Fatty Acids: Seed oils are rich in omega-6 fatty acids, which, in large amounts, can promote inflammation. Our bodies need omega-6 fatty acids, but when the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids gets out of balance (and it often does with seed oils), it can lead to chronic inflammation and an increased risk of conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases.
2. Processing and Refining: Seed oils are often highly processed and refined, which involves chemical extraction and high temperatures. This process can lead to the formation of toxic compounds like trans fats and oxidized fats. These compounds have been linked to cell damage, increased heart disease risk, and fat storage.
3. Reduced Antioxidant Content: Unlike non-seed oils like olive oil, seed oils often lack the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that come from natural, cold-pressed oils. This means you’re not getting the added benefits of vitamin E, polyphenols, and antioxidants that are found in more natural oils.

The Benefits of Non-Inflammatory Oils

So, now that we’ve covered the risks of seed oils, let’s take a look at non-inflammatory oils and why they’re a healthier option.

1. Heart Health: Non-inflammatory oils, such as olive oil and avocado oil, are rich in monounsaturated fats, which have been shown to lower bad cholesterol and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. They also have anti-inflammatory properties that help support healthy blood vessels and improve circulation.
2. Brain Function: Omega-3 fatty acids found in flaxseed oil and avocado oil are essential for brain health. They help reduce inflammation in the brain and improve memory and cognitive function. Consuming these fats regularly can also reduce the risk of neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s.
3. Improved Digestion: Non-inflammatory oils, such as ghee, not only aid in cooking but also support digestion. In Ayurveda, ghee is considered a “digestive booster” because it helps your body absorb nutrients better and promotes healthy gut flora.
4. Skin Health: Anti-inflammatory oils, like coconut oil, are rich in antioxidants and medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that can help protect your skin from inflammation, irritation, and premature aging.

Non-Inflammatory Oils in an Indian Diet

Incorporating non-inflammatory oils into your meals can be easy—especially when you have so many flavorful options in Indian cuisine. Here are a few great examples:

1. Ghee (Clarified Butter)

What it is: Ghee is a traditional Indian cooking fat made by simmering butter to remove the water content. It’s a rich source of butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid with anti-inflammatory benefits.

Why it’s good for you: Ghee contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has been linked to improved metabolism and fat-burning properties. It’s also great for cooking at high temperatures because it has a high smoke point.

How to use it: You can use ghee in everything from cooking dal and curries to sautéing vegetables or spreading on paratha.

2. Coconut Oil

What it is: Derived from the meat of coconuts, this oil is rich in MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides), which provide immediate energy to the body and brain.

Why it’s good for you: Coconut oil has natural anti-inflammatory properties and is known for supporting immune health. The MCTs in coconut oil also support weight loss and increase fat-burning.

How to use it: It’s perfect for frying, making curries, or adding to smoothies. Coconut oil is also great in vegetable stir-fries and in making Indian sweets like laddoos.

3. Olive Oil

What it is: Olive oil is made from cold-pressing the fruit of the olive tree. It’s a heart-healthy oil with high levels of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.

Why it’s good for you: Olive oil is an anti-inflammatory oil known for its ability to lower cholesterol and support overall heart health. It’s also packed with vitamin E and polyphenols, which have antioxidant properties that protect your body from oxidative damage.

How to use it: Olive oil is best used for salads, dips, or in low-heat cooking like sautéing vegetables. You can drizzle it over your grilled vegetables or use it in your masala salad dressings.

4. Avocado Oil

What it is: Avocado oil is made from the pulp of the avocado fruit and is rich in monounsaturated fats and vitamin E.

Why it’s good for you: Avocado oil has a high smoke point, which makes it ideal for frying and high-heat cooking. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that support heart health and skin health.

How to use it: Great for cooking Indian stir-fries or using in roasted vegetables. Avocado oil can also be used in sautéed dishes like bhindi (okra) or aloo (potatoes).

How to Avoid Inflammatory Oils in Your Cooking

While non-inflammatory oils are great for your health, many commonly used oils like vegetable oil, canola oil, and sunflower oil are rich in omega-6 fatty acids. While omega-6 is essential in small amounts, too much of it can contribute to inflammation in the body.

So, how can you avoid these oils in your cooking?

• Switch to ghee, coconut oil, or olive oil for a healthier alternative.
• Avoid deep frying with vegetable oils; opt for shallow frying or baking.
• Check labels on packaged foods to avoid oils high in omega-6 fatty acids.

Why Should You Care About Inflammation?

Chronic inflammation in the body is linked to various health conditions, including heart disease, arthritis, and even certain cancers. By choosing non-inflammatory oils, you’re helping to reduce the chronic inflammation that can contribute to these diseases. The best part? These oils don’t just protect your health—they enhance the flavor of your meals, making them a win-win in your kitchen!

Call to Action

Now that you know the power of non-inflammatory oils, it’s time to make the switch! Start incorporating these healthy oils into your daily cooking routine for better heart health, clearer skin, and a reduced risk of chronic disease. Explore Freezebee for nutritious, healthy meals that are made with the best non-inflammatory oils, ready to be enjoyed anytime. Follow us on Instagram for more tips on eating healthy and cooking with the right oils!

Scientific References

• The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2014) - “Monounsaturated Fats and Cardiovascular Disease.”
• Journal of Clinical Lipidology (2015) - “The Health Benefits of Coconut Oil.”
• Nutrition Reviews (2016) - “The Impact of Ghee on Health and Wellness.”
• Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry (2015) - “Anti-inflammatory Effects of Avocado Oil in Diet.”