Most of our health depends on what kind of food we eat and what cooking oil is used to make it. The right cooking oil is what makes or breaks our health in the present and in the future. Making healthier choices is crucial not only for one's own body but also in terms of sustainability. But the question is which cooking oil is good for indian cooking and is sustainable too? 

We can get an answer by understanding how an ingredient is processed, used, and disposed of during the oil’s extraction process. Let's take a look to understand more.

Choosing the right cooking oil:

The right oil is selected on the basis of multiple factors, such as what is the Smoke Point (which is the temperature at which an oil starts to smoke and degrade, forming harmful components), the flavour profile of the oil and how it complements the flavours of the dish being made, the nutrition profile (amount of saturated and unsaturated fats present), process of processing ( Cold-pressed or to refined) and versatility of the oil (different qualities) . 

Best Cooking Oils for Indian Cooking:

Kachi Ghani Mustard Oil (Sarson ka Tel):

Due to its rich availability, flavour and nutritional value in North and East India, mustard oil stands as a culinary favourite. Mustard oil helps improve the heart by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure due to its high monounsaturated fat content. Mustard oil contains vitamin E, which is the natural protector of the skin; its warm composition prevents colds and coughs and helps in keeping the body warm in winter. It helps stimulate the circulatory, digestive and excretory systems of the body.

However, the usage of chemical fertilizers to yield growth should be checked as it can lead to soil degradation and water pollution.

Coconut Oil:

Moving southward, the coastal regions of India have coconut oil available. Renowned for its slight sweetness and high smoke point, coconut oil is used, from sautéing seafood to imparting richness to desserts. Apart from cooking benefits , coconut oil has a variety of health benefits, thanks to its medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) which increase good cholesterol and maintain normal blood pressure, lauric acid, and antioxidant properties.

 However, it is required to check the deforestation when sourcing coconut oil so that the ecosystem balance is maintained.

Desi Ghee:

 In the Indian kitchen, ghee emerges as a timeless classic, appreciated for its richness and versatility. Made by the process of clarifying butter, ghee contains purity and depth of flavor, elevating both spicy and sweet dishes. Its richness in fat-soluble vitamins supports digestion and maintains immune function. Moreover, ghee's high smoke point makes it ideal for high-heat cooking methods.

The best part about ghee is that its making process is very sustainable. 

Sustainability with cooking oils:

Choosing sustainable cooking oils is important for reducing environmental impact. 

When a customer chooses a sustainable cooking oil. They unknowingly support conservation of biodiversity and promote ethical sourcing. 

Cooking oil disposal:

The worst way to dispose a cooking oil is directly draining it in sewers. It severely blocks the drains causing troubles in wastewater treatments. Hence, mix the oil well with absorbents like sawdust, sand, used cloth, towel, waste paper, etc. for proper disposal.

As we explore the question, "Which oil is good for Indian cooking?" let us not overlook the broader implications of our cooking choices. By choosing oils that blend with our health and honour our planet, we embark on a journey of holistic nutrition, improving both body and soul with every bite.