The Centre for Science and Environment has found out that all brands of vanaspati or hydrogenated oil that is used in households contain a very high percentage of trans-fat that causes health problems like infertility, cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

The trans-fat levels in Vanaspati were found to be five to 12 times higher than the world’s only standard for trans-fats in oil — set in Denmark —at two per cent of the total oil.

The level ranged from 23.7 per cent in the case of ‘Panghat’ (a Mawana Sugar brand) and 23.31 per cent in the case of ‘Raag’ (an Adani Wilmar Ltd brand). Interestingly, the lowest trans-fat levels were found in the desi ghee of Milk Foods Ltd and in Amul butter — 3.73 per cent.

In terms of vegetable oil, the centre said that there was no oil that could be called best as different researches over the years have come up with varying views. For instance, while sunflower oil, rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids or PUFA, claims to be excellent for the heart, it is low on omega 3; recent research says that it is omega 3 which prevents ischemic heart diseases. Similarly, canola or rapeseed oil, touted to be as healthy as olive oil, has been rubbished by a large number of studies for being unhealthy for the cardiovascular system and for retarding growth.

The study finds that if all oils are compared against the WHO recommendation, then no single oil in the market could currently claim to be good for one’s health. The research was done on 30 samples of vanaspati, butter, ghee and vegetable oils.

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