Dalda, a brand of hydrogenated vegetable oil, is considered harmful to health due to its high trans fat content. Here’s why:
Trans Fats: Dalda and similar hydrogenated vegetable oils contain high levels of trans fats. Trans fats are formed during the hydrogenation process, where hydrogen is added to vegetable oils to make them solid at room temperature. Trans fats are known to raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in the blood, which increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.
Impact on Heart Health: Consumption of trans fats has been strongly linked to an increased risk of coronary heart disease. Trans fats raise not only LDL cholesterol levels but also lower HDL (good) cholesterol levels, creating an unfavourable ratio contributing to plaque buildup in the arteries.
Inflammatory Effects: Trans fats have been shown to promote inflammation in the body, which can exacerbate conditions such as arthritis and increase the risk of inflammatory diseases.
Health Guidelines: Many health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Heart Association (AHA), recommend limiting trans fat intake as much as possible. Some countries have implemented bans or strict regulations on trans fats in food products due to their detrimental health effects.
Healthier Alternatives: In response to concerns about trans fats, many food manufacturers and restaurants have switched to healthier alternatives, such as liquid vegetable oils, naturally free of trans fats. These healthier oils, such as olive, canola, and sunflower, are preferred for cooking and food preparation.
In summary, Dalda and similar hydrogenated vegetable oils are considered dangerous to health primarily due to their high trans fat content, which increases the risk of heart disease and other health problems. It’s important to choose healthier alternatives to minimise trans fat intake and prioritise heart-healthy cooking oils in your diet.
