Mustard oil adulterated with heart-unhealthy palm oil: 3 simple tests to find out

Mustard oil is one of the most common and popular cooking oils used in Indian homes. Rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, it supports heart health by lowering bad cholesterol and improving good cholesterol levels. Its natural antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties make it effective for skin care, hair nourishment, and even wound healing. While it is said to be a powerhouse of health benefits, this common cooking oil is not deprived of adulteration and is said to cause severe health issues. Let us find out how.

Mustard oil is said to be adulterated with cheap palm oil, which helps increase LDL bad cholesterol and cause heart attack and cancer in extreme cases. As per a study published by the , titled Adulteration in edible oil (mustard oil) and ghee, it is said that adulteration in edible oils is widespread, with distinctive contaminants, including cottonseed, mineral, and lower-cost oils like palm olein. The consumption of contaminated oils and trans-fats within the human diet has resulted in adverse health effects, including cardiovascular diseases, digestive disorders, and even cancer.

As per the same study, various types of oils, including Argemone oil, Mineral oil, Castor oil, Karanja oil, Olive oil, Cottonseed oil, and paraffin oil, are often mixed into edible oils and ghee. The authenticity of mustard oil and soybean oil is frequently compromised through the intentional addition of extraneous substances, including cyanide, mineral oil, karanja oil, Argemone oil, and linseed oil, thereby posing a significant risk to consumer health and safety. The studies also suggest that cheap oils like palm oil are also added to mustard oil, which can cause severe health issues including cancer and heart attack.

Freeze Test: To check the purity of mustard oil, simply place the bottle of mustard oil in the refrigerator and within 3-5 hours, palm oil will settle and freeze at the bottom of the bottle.
Smell Test: One can simply smell the oil directly. Pure mustard oil has a sharp, pungent smell. A mild or artificial aroma could suggest adulteration.
Blotting Paper Test: Put a drop of oil on a white blotting paper, and let it sit for 10–15 minutes. Pure mustard oil leaves a light, even stain, while the adulterated oil may leave a dark, greasy, or uneven patch.

As per the , palm oil is high in saturated fats, notably palmitic acid, which can elevate LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels. A systematic review and meta-analysis found that diets rich in palm oil increased total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol compared to diets high in monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats . Additionally, a multi-country analysis indicated that increased palm oil consumption correlated with higher ischemic heart disease mortality rates, especially in developing countries. Also, repeated heating of palm oil, common in deep-frying, can lead to the formation of harmful compounds like glycidol, a possible carcinogen.

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