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Sundrop Heart Oil claims to be ‘good for the heart’ as it says that it contains rice bran oil which is a rich source of oryzanol.
It is a blend of 80% Rice bran oil and 20% refined Sunflower oil. A major concern with rice bran oil and sunflower oil is its ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids. It is high in omega-6 (linoleic acid) and contains little omega-3 (linolenic acid). Using this oil, may push the body towards inflammation because of too much linoleic acid.
In addition, PUFAs are susceptible to oxidation when heated, irrespective of the smoking point of Sundrop Heart Oil, 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.
The other problem is the Omega3 and Omega6 balance. We recommend that people exclusively using Sundrop Heart oil for cooking must supplement with adequate Omega 3 to rebalance these fats in their diets. Lack of omega 6 and omega 3 balance can be harmful.
We are also not happy about the use of TBHQ or IN 319 as an ingredient in this oil. It is used as an antioxidant in fats and oils like vegetable oil, snack foods, cereals, other fat-containing foods. There are reports of visual disturbances in humans exposed to this chemical. Mild to moderate exposure may cause Nausea,vomiting, headache, dizziness, delirium, tinnitus, green or brownish urine, elevated liver enzymes,muscle twitching, and dyspnea.
foodnetindia rating for this product :-Foodnetindia safety rating : 5 -(On a scale of 1 to 10 from very unsafe to very safe)
This oil contains high omega 6 fats and therefore should not be used for high heat cooking which is common in all Indian kitchens. It should not be used as the primary cooking medium without heavy Omega 3 supplementation. The presence of TBHQ is an added, though minor concern. It is primarily because of the way this product is likely to be used in Indian kitchens that we have given it a low safety rating.
Foodnetindia wholesomeness rating : 5 – (On a scale of 1 to 10 from very unbalanced nutrition profile to excellent nutrition profile)
Ricebran oil and Sunflower Oil are rich in Omega 6 fats and highly deficient in Omega 3 fats. Consumption must be adequately supplemented with good sources of Omega 3 fats.
Ingredients of concern in Sundrop Heart Oil –
- Rice Bran Oil
- Sunflower Oil
Permitted antioxidant-TBHQ
Ricebran Oil
80 percent of Sundrop Heart Oil 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.
Sunflower Oil
20 percent of Sundrop Heart Oil is comprised of Sunflower 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.
Sunflower 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.
IN319- TBHQ
Sundrop Heart Oil contains antioxidant IN319 TBHQ. It is used as an antioxidant in fats and oils like vegetable oil, snack foods, cereals, other fat-containing foods.
It prevents rancidity and is sometimes used along with similar preservatives, including BHA, BHT, and propyl gallate, with which it has a synergistic effect.
There are reports of visual disturbances in humans exposed to this chemical.Mild to moderate exposure may cause Nausea,vomiting, headache, dizziness, delirium, tinnitus,green or brownish urine, elevated liver enzymes,muscle twitching, and dyspnea.
Severe toxicity in humans may cause seizures, metabolic acidosis, cyanosis, methemoglobinemia, albuminuria, hematuria, liver damage, marked cachexia, respiratory failure, coma, and cardiovascular collapse.
In a government study which used a better design than other similar studies, TBHQ increased the incidence of tumors in rats.
Ingredients present in it which are not a concern
Vitamin A
Vitamin D2
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