Login

Myth or reality: Can cooking oil increase diabetes risk?

Research has shown that there are many side effects of cooking oil. But does including cooking oil in your diet increase the risk of diabetes?
Start by heating some oil to make spinach soup. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock
Dr Abhijit Bhograj Updated: 23 Oct 2023, 11:11 am IST
OPEN APP

When it comes to cooking oils, they are not all the same. It is critical to understand the type of oil, whether it is from an animal source, such as lard, which is bad, or a good source such as extra virgin olive oil, sunflower oil, or sesame oil. The main concern about cooking oil is the number of saturated and trans fats it contains. This is linked to a higher risk of inflammation in the body and can also lead to a higher risk of lifestyle diseases, including diabetes.

Oil is known for its importance in the transmission of nerve and joint strength. Also, some of the good properties found in some oils are omega-3 and monounsaturated fatty acids, which are good for a healthy heart. Hence, an oil-free diet is not at all advised. Rather, it is important to choose cooking oil wisely.

What are the side effects of cooking oil? Image Courtesy: Shutterstock

Can cooking oil lead to diabetes?

It is a myth that cooking oil leads to diabetes. However, if someone is on a healthy oil diet but does not maintain a healthy lifestyle, skipping physical activity, they can end up with diabetes. Hence, it is crucial to educate and raise awareness among the public regarding different types of cooking oil and their constituents.

Diabetes can also result from other factors such as substantial meat consumption and physical inactivity. According to statistics, a population that consumes meat and saturated fats is more likely to develop diabetes. Therefore, it cannot be assumed that only cooking oil causes diabetes; rather, we need to pay attention to the source of the oil, how we consume it, and other related risk factors as well. It is always recommended to seek advice from a specialist before consuming any oils in order to gain a better understanding of the components of oils and avoid diabetes.

People can also get diabetes from their choice of food. In recent days, diabetes is increasing and becoming regular due to the high consumption of junk food, chips, and fries. Studies have shown that these types of food increase diabetes at a rate of 70 per cent. It is therefore recommended to check the diet plan in order to prevent getting diabetic.

Other food choices that increase diabetes risk

Intake of saturated and trans fat

Another point people should keep in mind to avoid diabetes is an intake of saturated and trans fat. This is because trans fat can increase the cholesterol level which eventually leads a person to type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, both saturated and trans fat have high amounts of oil which can be very much harmful and can increase the diabetes level of a person. You should cook and bake with olive and canola oils and some minimal changes in your food habit in order to avoid trans or saturated fat.

Processed carbohydrate

Highly processed carbohydrate food is one of the major factors that can increase diabetes in any person. Food containing white flour, white sugar, and white rice causes diabetes which can lead to different health issues in the long run. In addition, mixing processed carbohydrates with oil can become very much unhealthy for anyone. Hence, it is necessary for everyone to check these types of highly processed carbohydrates in order to avoid getting diabetic.

All these foods increase the risk of developing diabetes. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Ingesting red meat

Ingestion of red meat or processed meat could be an essential reason due to which a person can get diabetes. Generally, these types of food products can lead to type 2 diabetes. Therefore, you should try avoiding food products like bacon, hot dogs, and deli meats as they have high levels of sodium and nitrites which are very much harmful and can become the primary cause of diabetes when mixed up with oil.

Also Read: Bring high BP levels under control with these 5 low sodium foods

It is not necessary for a person to get diabetes with the increase of oil content unless he or she is consuming unhealthy cooking oil. However, the major reason for which a person gets diabetes is an unhealthy lifestyle, food product and irregular diet plans. If you have a very unhealthy diet plan or consume high levels of oily food it is high time for you to check on your food habits and consult a doctor or dietitian in order to get back into a healthy routine.

Select Topics of your interest and let us customize your feed.

PERSONALISE NOW

Dr Abhijit Bhograj

Dr Abhijit Bhograj, Consultant - Diabetes and Endocrinology, Manipal Hospital Hebbal ...Read More

Next Story