Summary feedback
Saffola Total cooking oil is a blend of 70% Rice bran oil and 30% refined Safflower seed oil. This oil is high in PUFA and this PUFA is mostly omega 6 fats. As omega 6 PUFAs are susceptible to oxidation when heated, irrespective of the smoking point of Saffola Total, we do not recommend this oil for high heat cooking. Specifically, this oil must not be used for deep frying, tadka or heating in the pan with dry masalas. There is evidence that Oxidised PUFA is a source of toxicity in food and can cause a wide range of lifestyle diseases. Saffola Total may however, be used as a safe cooking oil for low heat cooking.The other problem we find with cooking with Saffola is that it may damage the Omega3 and Omega6 balance. We recommend that people exclusively using Saffola for cooking must supplement with Omega 3 to rebalance these fats in their diets. Lack of omega 6 and omega 3 balance can be harmful.
foodnetindia rating for this product :-Foodnetindia safety rating : 7-(On a scale of 1 to 10 from very unsafe to very safe)
However, if used for high heat cooking, we would reduce the safety rating to 2 (unsafe, not recommended and potentially toxic)
Foodnetindia wholesomeness rating : 5 – (On a scale of 1 to 10 from very unbalanced nutrition profile to excellent nutrition profile)
Ricebran oil and Safflower Oil are rich in Omega 6 fats and deficient in Omega 3 fats. Consumption of Saffola must be supplemented
with good sources of Omega 3 fats.
Ingredients of concern in Saffola Total Oil –
• Rice Bran Oil
• Safflower Oil
Ricebran Oil
70 percent of Saffola total is comprised of rice bran oil and rice bran oil is the oil extracted from the germ and inner husk of rice, majority of rice bran oil on the market is chemically extracted using solvents, in particular petroleum-derived hexane and high heat which may destroy the antioxidants in it and oxidise the PUFA.
We do not have a clarification from the brand on the methods used for extraction.
One of the main features of Rice bran oil is that it contains Oryzanol, found to be a powerful antioxidant only found in rice bran oil. Oryzanol may reduce liver cholesterol synthesis and may be useful for treating menopausal disorders.
Rice bran oil has a high omega-6 content, which can be detrimental to health if oxidised by high heat cooking excessively. In addition, a high consumption of omega-6 PUFA, may increase risk of several diseases if not balanced with adequate consumption of Omega 3 fats.
Safflower Oil
30 percent of Saffola total is comprised of Safflower oil. , which has qualities which make it a good ingredient for healthy eating, it’s an unsaturated fat, is tasteless, and has a high smoking point.
Safflower oil has a high omega-6 content, which can be detrimental to health if oxidized by high heat cooking. In addition, high consumption of omega-6 PUFA, may increase risk of several diseases if not balanced with adequate consumption of Omega 3 fats.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information. foodnetindia encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.
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