Bengal’s cuisine is as diverse and rich as the state itself. Once ruled by Nawabs and a major hub to the British, traces of their influence can be found in the cuisine too- subtle, savoury, sweet and fiery hot. Bengali food embraces all flavours to make them it’s own, it is where modernity meets tradition. Bengal has a vast repertoire of delicacies but the one thing that all Bengalis can agree with is their love for food.
One of the main focuses of any Bengali festivity is the array of edible delicacies available, be it fried, spiced, sautéed, grilled or roasted. The mouth-watering delights steal the show. However, in between this whirl wind of flavourful chows, we must remember that our health is our prime concern.
In order to be ableto tuck in and relish such delicacies all year round, we need to ensure that what we eat is healthy and wholesome. One of the ways to do so is by making sure that the oil we use matches our requirements. With growing problems of high cholesterol and heart diseases, it is crucial to be conscious about the product and its benefits before using it.
· SUNFLOWER OIL – Loaded with omega-6 fats and vitamin E, is one of the healthiest cooking oils. It is very good for your heart and its low saturated fat helps control the cholesterol levels of your body and also improves digestion.
· SOYBEAN OIL- With its high nutritional content and its ability to lower cholesterol levels and lower “bad” cholesterol, it is ideal for daily use.
· MUSTARD OIL- Used as a common therapeutic and culinary agent, mustard oil has been traditionally used in Bengali cuisine for ages. Rich in MUFA, PUFA, Omega 3 & 6, Vitamin E, minerals and antioxidants, mustard oil in your diet may help reduce cholesterol, blood pressure and also as some studies show, can reduce the risk of cancer.
Here are a few tips to make the best use of your edible oil
· To fry food, heat the oil first, the hotter the oil, the less oil your food absorbs.
· Do not overheat the oil, if it starts to smoke then reduce the heat as it might burst into flames.
· Try to use a small amount of oil while sautéing. Start with a tablespoon and add more later if required.
· While baking, you can replace your butter with a healthier alternative like sunflower oil.
· Overtime store bought oil may oxidize and emit free radicals. To ensure the longevity of your oil store in a cool, dark place.
· Strain the water from the diced vegetables before you put them into hot oil or the oil will violently splutter out.
Hopefully, these insights will prove to be advantageous when you choose your oil and make them a part of your everyday life.
In addition to this, if you have any suggestions, let us know in the comment section below and stay healthy!
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