Rising oil consumption, ultra-processed foods and sedentary lifestyles are fuelling a public health crisis. Could the edible oil and LPG crunch be the wake-up call India’s kitchens need (Story by Nasrin Modak Siddiqi)
Updated On: 2026-05-31 12:58 PM IST
Compiled by : Nascimento Pinto
Focus on home-cooking: Opt for home-cooked meals with oil blends or less-absorbing oils over store-bought food, which often uses higher quantities of lower-quality oil for profit
Use cooking methods like roasting, stir-frying, and steaming use little or no oil. So modify cooking techniques by using steaming or sautéing instead of deep-frying
Pre-marination with added salt helps tenderise meat and vegetables that require more oil and longer cooking times.
Prioritise fresh ingredients: Use water-based vegetables that require less oil during cooking
Soaking lentils and pulses reduces phytic acid, increasing the bioavailability of micronutrients like zinc and helping manage anxiety
Select quality cookware: Utilising cast iron or high-quality ceramic cookware can reduce the need for oil while retaining or improving the nutritional value of the food