You’re right on the money—mustard oil’s got about 884 calories per 100g, pretty much similar across the board for most oils, really. Olive, sunflower, coconut oils? They’re in that same ballpark, calorie-wise. But calories are just one piece of the puzzle! While the processing method doesn’t change the calorie count much, cold-pressed oils often keep more nutrients, which is always a win for health benefits.
Mustard oil is rich in healthy fats. Monounsaturated fats (MUFAs) & polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) can do wonders for heart health… they’re like heart-happy nutrients. They help reduce bad cholesterol levels, and yes, mustard oil does have omega-3s, which are awesome for cutting down inflammation and boosting brain function. These can offset the high calorie thing a little ’cause they deliver such a nutritional punch.
Cooking? When mustard oil is used for frying, it does absorb, maybe a tad more than some other oils due to its consistency, but that doesn’t necessarily mean more calories are added to the food, all the time. Using small quantities is indeed a sweet spot to catch its flavor without going wild on calories.
For the weight-watchers, balance is key. Rotate that mustard oil with olive or sunflower to enjoy variety and avoid overloading on one single type. Every oil has its game. If you’ve got cholesterol issues, considering the right balance of oils helps keep things in check.
Just start small, say maybe two tablespoons a day? Incorporate it raw in dressings, or sparingly cooked to maintain its nutrients. Mindful consumption is your friend. Its distincty punch gives your dishes character while its nutritional profile keeps things healthy… it’s a balancing act!
