By Dr Kasturi Desai
This modern society has a misconception about oils. The word oil causes uneasiness in people’s minds, to them oil means cholesterol and weight gain. There is a lot of research going on in deciding the chemical compositions of oils and their effects on the human body.
A few years back some American researchers claimed that coconut oil is totally bad and should not be used but haven’t the Goans and Keralites always used the same oil and survived? Similarly mustard oil is regularly used in North India, Bengal, Bihar and the same is banned in countries like USA, Canada and many European countries. With the change in lifestyle it is agreed that same amount of saturated fat which was previously consumed and digested is not possible today but a little quantity of oil must be a part of our diet.
Each type of oil has its own benefits and side effects so it is better that one does not use the same oil in excess throughout life but have a permutation and combination between all oils. Heating oil changes its characteristics. Oils that are healthy at room temperature can become unhealthy when heated above certain temperatures.
When choosing cooking oil, it is important to match the oil’s heat tolerance with the cooking method. Reheating and reusing the oils changes its quality and is more harmful and hence oily food from outside eateries is not good.
Generally, using little oil regularly in food improves the skin’s condition and gives it a glow. Cooking oil besides its uses through internal consumption also has several other medicinal properties.
Our most popular and favourite oil is coconut oil, obtained from the kernel of the fruit botanically called Cocos nucifera. This oil has antiviral bacterial and antifungal properties. Using coconut oil as cooking oil helps improve digestion and fight diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome and peptic ulcer. Application of the oil in the area where the infection is present soothes and relieves irritation and pain.
For relief from diaper rash coconut oil is the best. Coconut oil is one of the best natural nutrition for hair; it helps the hair look healthy and shiny. The oil also helps in the re-growth of hair. It is commonly used as hair care oil effective in nourishing damaged hair, conditioners and dandruff relief creams. The oil is also used in massage therapy because of its stress relieving effects. It is also commonly used in skin care oils.
Coconut oil is an effective moisturiser for all skin types. Unlike mineral oil, its use is not associated with any side effects. Due to its antioxidant properties, coconut oil helps prevent premature aging and degenerative diseases. It softens the skin and prevents wrinkles and other signs of aging. Coconut oil also forms a chemical layer on different wounds and bruises and protects against infection while speeding up the healing process.
The oil not only protects the skin against infections and diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis, but also helps with the natural chemical balance of the skin.
Another oil though not regularly used in Goan cooking is common in the Tamilian kitchen is sesame or gingely oil obtained from the tiny seeds of a plant called Sesamum indicum or most commonly known as Til. It is an antioxidant and also highly nutritious. Sesame oil is wonderful for reducing stress and tension and preventing nervous disorders, relieving fatigue and promoting strength and vitality. To obtain best results for pain and muscle spasm such as sciatica, dysmenorrhoea, and colic, backache and joint pain - the oil should be heated before massaging. Taking a little oil orally (in the morning) and keeping it in the mouth for ten minutes till the constituency of the oil changes, helps improve the throat and the mucous lining of the mouth. This helps singers and orators better their voice. Also for toothache and gum infection a gargle with til oil is beneficial.
Mustard oil has a typical nutty taste so it is not enjoyed by all. This oil has antibacterial properties and helps in de-detoxification. It stimulates the digestive, circulatory and excretory system. It helps stimulate the muscles and improves blood circulation. The oil is excellent for massages during winter. To have a shiny set of teeth, rub mustard oil with salt and experience the result. To get relief from irritating sore throats, warm a little mustard oil on a betel leaf and tie it to the throat and leave it overnight and obtain the benefits.
