Is the ‘oil-free diet’ actually healthy?

Oil has been termed unhealthy time and again by a lot of self-proclaimed health fanatics. In the quest of losing more kgs in less time, people often switch to unhealthy diets and trends which can have an adverse effect on the body in the long run. One such trend is quitting oil and eliminating it completely from the diet. But is going oil-free good for you? The answer is no. There are a number of healthier ways to lose weight that you can choose from. The key lies in choosing the right type of oil and using it in the right quantities. Read on to know the types of healthy oils that you can include in your diet and how much quantity of oil our bodies require on a daily basis. (image credits-istock)

Fats found in coconut oil are good for the body as they help in boosting metabolism and also keep you full for long. Coconut oil also improves cholesterol levels and kills harmful bacteria. You can safely have about 2 teaspoons of coconut oil on a daily basis.

Vitamin E complex and other micronutrients in Rice Bran Oil help combat free radicals. Moreover, oryzanol antioxidant in rice bran oil helps keep your cholesterol levels under control. It also helps lower blood sugar levels and improves insulin resistance. You can use it for cooking purposes and consume about 3 spoons of it daily.

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Extra virgin Olive oil is good for your heart and is one of the safest bets for both kids and adults. It increases the level of HDL cholesterol and decreases the level of bad cholesterol i.e., LDL. You can safely consume about 3 spoons of olive oil daily. The only thing to keep in mind while cooking with olive oil is to not use it for deep-frying.

Sesame oil is high in heart-healthy antioxidants. It is also good for people with diabetes and consuming sesame oil may help regulate blood sugar levels. Its antioxidant content and anti-inflammatory properties benefit your heart, joints, skin, hair, and more. 2-3 spoons of sesame oil is safe for daily consumption.

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A number of oils contain Omega 3s, which our bodies cannot produce on their own. So it's important to get it from food sources. Oils do contain good fats that have been proven to be very beneficial to our health. Excess of everything is bad and the same holds true for oils. Using excess of oil in cooking or eating deep-fried foods regularly will not only lead to weight gain but will also spell trouble for your health. Consuming healthy fats in controlled proportions will create a balance and benefit you in a number of ways.

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