Overview

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to reduce cooking oil consumption has sparked discussions across the country. While many viewed the message through an economic lens, health experts say it also highlights a growing food and lifestyle concern in Indian households. India imported nearly $19.5 billion worth of vegetable oils in 2025–26, but the issue is not just about imports. Excessive oil consumption has quietly become part of everyday eating habits, especially through fried snacks, fast food, and heavily processed meals.

The Hidden Health Risks of Excess Oil

Health experts warn that consuming too much oil can increase the risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, fatty liver disease, and inflammation. Regular intake of deep-fried and ultra-processed foods also affects digestion and overall metabolic health. Dr Sujit Paul of Zota Healthcare says many people consume far more oil than the body actually needs. According to him, excessive consumption of fried food has gradually become a lifestyle issue rather than an occasional indulgence.

Traditional Indian Cooking Already Has the Answers

Experts say people do not need to eliminate oil from their diets. Instead, they should focus on healthier cooking practices and moderation. Traditional Indian kitchens already use several cooking methods that require very little oil, including:

• Steaming
• Boiling
• Pressure-cooking
• Grilling
• Roasting
• Fermenting

Curd-based gravies, tomato-based curries, lentil dishes, and steamed foods naturally use less oil while still retaining flavour and nutrition.

Flavour Does Not Always Need More Oil

Many households rely heavily on oil for taste, but experts say ingredients like herbs, spices, garlic, ginger, lemon, curd, coconut milk, nuts, and seeds can add flavour and texture without excessive fat. Air-frying and sautéing with minimal oil can also help reduce unhealthy fat intake while maintaining the taste people enjoy.

Small Kitchen Changes Can Make a Big Difference

Public health analyst Dr Sameer Bhati says lifestyle diseases have increased sharply in India due to poor eating habits and rising consumption of fried and processed foods. He stresses that moderation matters more than complete restriction. Simple changes such as measuring oil before cooking, reducing deep-fried foods, and choosing healthier preparation methods can improve long-term health outcomes.

Healthier Kitchens, Healthier Future

Experts believe that even small reductions in cooking oil use across millions of households can create a major public health impact. Lower oil consumption may help reduce lifestyle-related diseases while encouraging healthier eating habits for future generations. The message is simple: Indian kitchens do not need to sacrifice flavour. They only need smarter, healthier cooking choices.

Source: NDTV

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