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This oil in bhujiyas and biscuits can cause cancer

Last updated on - Jun 21, 2019, 14:13 IST

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How chips, cookies and bhujiyas turn dangerous for you?

When it comes to munching, the easiest and most popular option around the world includes cookies, chips, muffins, bhujiyas and cupcakes. While we all feel satisfied after having these, you will be surprised to know that all these food items have one common ingredient-Palm Oil. According to researchers, this oil when treated chemically during the refining process, becomes deadly and increases the risk of cancer in humans. The scary part is, almost every other product available in our country uses this oil as it comes cheap and is easily available. If you look at the ingredient box of most biscuits and namkeens you will find "Edible Vegetable Oil (Palmolein Oil)" written.

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Why palm oil is used in bhujiyas and biscuits?

The FMCG companies use palm oil in bhujiyas and biscuits, as this oil adds consistency, texture and structure to the end product without the need for hydrogenation. Palm oil contains unique fatty acids in its triacylglycerol (TAG) composition which comprises an equal amount of unsaturated and saturated fatty acids. According to Zero Oil Cook Book by Dr Bimal Chhajer M.D., The distribution of fatty acids in this oil is 13 percent monosaturated, 7 percent polysaturated and about 80 percent saturated fat. While the saturated fat content of sesame oil is 14, soyabean oil is 15, sunflower oil is 8, olive oil is 1.8 and mustard oil is 6.

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What actually happens?

According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), palm oil can be dangerous, because when it is processed at high temperatures, it increases the risk of cancer in the human body. EFSA has found that certain contaminants in palm oil make this happen and when the oil is processed further it causes glycidyl fatty acid esters (GEs) to form. When consumed, GEs break down and release glycidol, a substance known for its carcinogenic effects and exposes you to cancer.

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What do nutritionists say

Sandhya Gugnani, a celebrity nutritionist, says, "Palm oil is known to be high in saturated fat content and regular consumption can increase the level of bad cholesterol. Due to high smoking point, it is widely used for cooking as well as in ready-to-eat and processed foods like cereals, cookies, muffins, chocolates, margarine etc.”

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Kids and palm oil

Acording to Sankalp, C.E.O, Goodways Fitness, “Regular consumption of palm oil can lead to diseases like cancer, heart attack, diabetes, nausea, unconsciousness, headache, hormonal issues, and obesity. When palm oil is given to kids, it reduces their memory and concentration power. "
"It adversely affects the eyesight, and gradually they start lacking interest in fun activities that kids of their age love to do. With growing age, it results in asthma, blood pressure, sinus and weakening of muscles”, adds Sankalp, who is also a fitness and lifestyle expert.

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Researchers' take

Globally, researchers emphasize moderate use of palm oil and in fact many studies claim that it is as bad as other refined oils. All refined oils may have different fatty acid compositions but almost all of them are bereft of nutritional benefits and loaded with chemicals.

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Is there any alternative?

Though nothing has been medically declared ‘safe’, alternatives like soybean, rapeseed, and coconut, as well as jatropha and jojoba, are considered good for the human body. According to health experts, they have passed the hurdle of technical feasibility but are still under debate in terms of affordability, acceptability, and sustainability.

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What should we do?

We should not stick to one oil and keep changing options. It is also important to limit our oil consumption. Our veggies should not be cooked in more than three spoons of oil, for the entire family. Local oils that our grandparents and parents have been consuming are the best options when consumed in moderation.

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Verdict

Making cost-effective goods is a primary concern of any market player. But, making goods at the cost of the health of consumers is an ill-practice that needs immediate intervention by the governing bodies, similar to what was done in the case of Maggi. After all, health is important than anything else. Isn’t it?

Disclaimer: Do not consider this as a substitute to medical advice.

Top Comment

Fabina Gonsalves

2532 days ago

Agreed .. but practically difficult to control kids when there are so many products on the shelves these days and manufacturer target kids and make kids tempting to buy all these by using their nasty tricks like including toys and stuff in the packet... instead i think Indian food safety department would be in better position to control the use of palm oil in all these products.

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