Cooking oil is an integral part of every kitchen. And while we think that buying organic cooking oils is the key to healthy living, the truth is far-fetched.
Time and again it is proven that there are many cooking oils that are not good for the human heart and should be avoided at all costs.
As per experts, these oils contain artificial trans fats and are strongly linked to increased LDL (bad) cholesterol and decreased HDL (good) cholesterol, elevating heart disease risk.
As per a study by the National Library of Medicine, replacing polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat-rich oils with palm oil significantly increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), a known risk factor for CVD.
Some studies also suggest that excessive consumption of omega-6-rich oils, common in refined vegetable oils, may promote inflammation, a contributing factor to heart disease.
This piece of information talks about 6 such cooking oils that one should completely avoid to prevent heart attacks.
1. Palm oil
Palm oil contains about 50% saturated fat, which can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol, a key risk factor for heart attacks and stroke. It is also said that elevated LDL can lead to plaque buildup in arteries (atherosclerosis), increasing the chance of blockages. As per studies, repeatedly heated palm oil can increase inflammatory markers in the body, which are linked to heart disease. It is also said that due to high-heat, palm oil can produce oxidized compounds that are toxic to cells, potentially damaging the lining of blood vessels and promoting heart disease
2. Cottonseed oil
This oil is rich in omega-6 polyunsaturated fats, and while omega-6s are essential, too much without enough omega-3s can lead to chronic inflammation, a known contributor to heart disease and arterial plaque buildup. It is also said that regular consumption of refined cottonseed oil can increase LDL cholesterol levels, which raises the risk of arterial blockage and heart attack. Also, this oil is often treated with high levels of pesticides, which may contribute to oxidative stress and inflammation
3. Refined Canola oil
While canola oil is often marketed as a heart-healthy oil, the refined version of this oil is said to have potential side effects on heart health. When canola oil is overheated, it can break down and form oxidized lipids and these unstable molecules can damage blood vessels and lead to plaque buildup, a major factor in heart attacks. And most canola oils are exposed to high heat and chemicals like hexane, and this leads to rise in harmful compounds like trans fats, which can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol and lower HDL (good) cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart disease.
4. Corn oil
Corn oil is said to be high in omega-6 polyunsaturated fats. And while omega-6 is necessary, excessive intake of it can promote chronic inflammation, which contributes to artery damage, plaque buildup, and increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Also, the refined version of this oil uses chemical solvents like hexane, which may produce oxidized lipids and trace trans fats. As per experts, these harmful compounds are associated with arterial inflammation and cardiovascular disease.
5. Coconut oil
While this may sound bizarre, studies suggest that excessive consumption of coconut oil is also linked to risk of heart diseases. It contains about 82–90% saturated fat and diets high in saturated fat are strongly associated with increased LDL (bad) cholesterol, a major risk factor for heart attacks. Even the American Heart Association advises limiting coconut oil due to its saturated fat content and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends keeping saturated fat below 10% of daily calories
6. Refined Sunflower oil
It contains a lot of omega-6 PUFAs. While omega-6 fats are essential, excessive intake, especially without enough omega-3s, may promote chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation is linked to atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries), which increases the risk of heart attack. Using sunflower oil repeatedly for frying can lead to harmful oxidation products that promote inflammation and damage blood vessels.
