Diwali is the season of celebrations, sweets and fried foods – but the joy of celebration can take a toll on health. Homemade snacks are the best option, as they allow you to control key ingredients like sugar and cooking oil, making your meal both tastier and healthier.
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Dr Manan Vora, Mumbai-based orthopedic surgeon, health educator and co-founder of Nutribyte Wellness, highlights the importance of choosing the right ingredients for your Diwali snacks. In an Instagram video posted on October 19, the surgeon explains that choosing the right kind of oil is as important as your sugar intake during the festive season. He advises to give up unhealthy palm oil this Diwali and suggests healthy alternatives.
Oil choice matters
Diwali is synonymous with sweets and fried dishes, but Dr Vora warns that the type of oil you use is as important as the amount of sugar you consume. He explains, “Most people fry everything in palm oil because it’s cheap and easily available. But if you’re deep-frying, your choice of oil makes a huge difference to your health.”
He also emphasizes that the golden rule is to never re-use oil that has turned black or smoky.
Which oil to choose?
Dr. Vora recommends swapping out palm oil for the following healthier alternatives:
Ghee
According to the surgeon, ghee is a much healthier option, as it is very stable on high heat and adds a rich flavor to your fried snacks.
refined coconut oil
According to Dr Vora, refined coconut oil is a healthy option as it is rich in MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides) which can be easily digested.
peanut oil
Third on Dr. Vora’s list of healthy oil replacements is peanut oil. He highlighted that it not only promotes heart health but also offers a rich nutty taste that is perfect for Indian snacks.
rice bran oil
Dr. Vora explains that rice bran oil is a great option because it helps reduce LDL or “bad” cholesterol levels.
avocado oil
It is not easily available, but Dr. Vora suggests that if you can get your hands on some, you should definitely use it for fried snacks as it is a great alternative to deep frying.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
