Oil or Fat
Free Diets, may sound better as they promise to help you knock
off weight quickly but to completely omit oil from your diet is
not a good idea.
Oil, besides being high in calories (1 gm. of oil or fat = 9 calories)
contains essential fatty acids, which are required to perform
certain vital functions in your body. These fatty acids that are
provided by oil in your diet and cannot be produced naturally
by your body. If you do not consume the recommended amount of
oil per day your body becomes deficient in these fatty acids causing
visible symptoms like fatigue, weakness, mood swings, dry skin
and dry hair. Oil also helps in the absorption of fat-soluble
vitamins like vitamins A, D, E and K. Vitamins A and E are important
in your daily diet as they are antioxidants and help you to build
up your immune system to fight against infections. Vitamin D helps
in strengthening your bones and teeth whereas vitamin K helps
in clotting your blood during injuries. So be wary of 'zero oil
diets', as they can be harmful.
HOW
MUCH OIL SHOULD ONE CONSUME DAILY?
Oil is a healthier
cooking option as compared to saturated fats (ghee, butter etc.)
but you need to use it sparingly. It is advisable for healthy
individuals to consume no more than 6 teaspoons of oil (30 grams)
per day and not more than 3 teaspoons of oil for persons who wish
to lose weight.