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In the quest to stay healthy and fit, we try our best to make all possible changes. But what if we have two options in our hands that are both good for us? It is the battle of cooking oils: olive versus coconut oil, and celebrity nutritionist Pooja Makhija has helped us crack this puzzle.
The expert has addressed this pertinent question in her recent Instagram post.
What’s special about olive oil?
As Makhija mentions, this oil is packed with monounsaturated fatty acids, which means your heart health is in good hands. Moreover, if you are looking to lose weight, it will help you feel satiated, and keep you full for longer.
But here’s a word of caution from Dr Dharini Krishnan, a Chennai-based dietician and nutritionist. She tells HealthShots, “Olive oil definitely helps to maintain heart health. However, due to its low melting point, it is not suitable for Indian cooking as it will burn at high cooking temperatures. So, even though it can be used to garnish salads and pastas, it is not fit for cooking in the heat of the kadai or a tava.”
Check out Pooja Makhija’s Instagram post comparing olive and coconut oil right here!
Is coconut oil equally healthy?
Oh yes, coconut oil is! It has been considered a miracle cure for everything – from skin concerns to good heart health. Plus, it helps with weight loss too! This oil is extracted from the coconut kernel, and contains medium-chain triglycerides that can help you lose weight, says Makhija.
What’s the verdict on the oils?
Makhija reveals that both these oils are healthy, but must be consumed in moderation.
Dr Krishnan concludes, “An adult should not consume more than 15-20 millilitre of oil per day. Excess consumption of oils can raise cholesterol levels and drastically affect your digestion. As digestion plays a key role in absorption of nutrients, consumption of excess oil leads to nutrients not being absorbed properly by the body. It can also lead to obesity.”
