Oils are an important source of good fats and an important part of our diet. Have you wondered if the store bought oils are doing any good? The best health solutions are not in the latest fads, they are in our traditional practices, aka our grandma’s kitchen! However, we are busy gorging on ‘thin’ crust pizzas and avoiding home made food that are fried. Fried food is not BAD, they can be healthy and nourishing if you use oils that are natural and sustainable.
Chekku/Ghani oils vs Refined oils
Refined oils are just that, refined of all nutrients and does nothing for the body. Refined oils are made by applying a lot of heat and mixing solvents, that rid the oils of essential nutrients. Manufacturers also use stabilizers and preservatives to increase shelf life of products. So, the packaged oil we buy off shelves do more harm than good to our bodies and the environment (plastics we throw away after consumption!)
Chekku or Ghani oils are oils that are extracted physically(cold-pressed) without using chemicals and heat. This helps in preserving nutrients. Have you tried visiting a local ghani or chekku where they extract oil using cold-pressed methods by grounding the oilseeds? This process preserves antioxidants. They are also high in vitamins and good fats. Coconut oil, gingelly/sesame oil, groundnut oil, mustard oil are some oils that you could buy from the ghani at the local market.
Healthier bodies and a greener planet
You can carry your own containers to the ghani/chekku and save on the packaging, making it not only a healthy but an environment-friendly option. These are the stainless steel containers I use for getting oils from the local ghani.
