Palm oil has quietly become one of the most common ingredients in the packaged snacks, chips, biscuits, ice creams and other processed foods sold across the market today. Food companies favour it because it is cheap and helps products stay edible for longer. But homeopathy physician Dr. Riddhi Pandey warns that eating such foods regularly and in large quantities can take a toll on the body over time. She has advised people to keep their diets balanced rather than relying heavily on these processed options.
A big brand name does not guarantee safety
According to Dr. Pandey, nearly every major, well known packaged food brand today uses palm oil in some form or the other. It shows up routinely in namkeen, chips, biscuits, ice cream and other fatty processed foods. She points out that a product carrying a big brand name does not prove it is completely safe to eat every day. Having such foods occasionally is not a major concern, but making them a regular part of the daily diet is not advisable.
High heat multiplies the risk
The doctor explained that when palm oil is repeatedly heated to around 200 degrees Celsius or higher, it can form certain compounds called esters, which have an adverse effect on the body. Continued exposure to these compounds can lead to health problems over time. This is why fried items and heavily processed foods should only be eaten in limited amounts.
The direct hit to cholesterol levels
Dr. Pandey said excessive consumption of foods made with palm oil can raise LDL, or bad cholesterol, levels in the body. As LDL rises, fat starts accumulating in the body, which increases the risk of heart disease. At the same time, maintaining a healthy level of HDL, or good cholesterol, is important. This is why keeping a balance in everyday eating habits matters so much.
Children are increasingly affected
She noted that the habit of eating packaged snacks, chips, kurkure and namkeen is rising fast among young children these days. Many such children fall sick repeatedly or develop stomach related issues. In some cases examined, excessive consumption of junk food and processed items has turned out to be a significant reason behind their troubles. Parents, she said, need to pay special attention to what their children are eating.
Desi ghee could be a better alternative
Dr. Pandey said that when consumed in limited quantities as part of a balanced diet, desi ghee can prove to be a better option compared to processed foods made with palm oil. Consuming a measured amount of desi ghee is considered beneficial for both children and adults. However, she was clear that excessive consumption of any kind of fat is not good for health.
Fresh, home cooked food should come first
The doctor said that occasionally eating packaged food or namkeen from a good brand does not cause major harm. But developing a daily habit of eating chips, namkeen, biscuits and other processed foods can damage health over the long run. She advised prioritising fresh, home cooked meals and keeping the consumption of packaged food to a minimum.
