by: Dr. Bimal Chhajer
In the ongoing battle against heart disease, a novel proposal has emerged from the SAAOL (Science and Art of Living): the implementation of taxes on all cooking oils.
This unconventional suggestion draws parallels between the impact of oils on cardiovascular health and the taxation of tobacco products, aiming to stem the tide of the heart attack epidemic.
Heart attacks stem from plaque accumulation within arteries, obstructing blood flow and damaging heart muscles. Elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels contribute significantly to this blockage, posing a serious threat to cardiovascular health.
Surprisingly, many cardiologists maintain lenient thresholds for cholesterol and triglyceride levels, allowing them to exceed 180mg/dL and 160mg/dL respectively and overlooking their potential risks. The link between excess body weight and heart ailments further complicates matters, emphasizing the need for intervention before symptoms manifest.
Enter the revolutionary concept of zero oil cooking, championed by SAAOL as a formidable weapon against heart disease. Triglycerides, the prime culprits behind coronary blockages, are a stealthy form of oil that accumulates silently in arteries over time. Every drop of oil added to meals inches closer to compromising heart health.
Contrary to the belief that oil adds flavor, oils themselves are tasteless. The true sources of taste lie within the spices and seasonings. In fact, SAAOL boasts a collection of over a thousand oil-free recipes that prove taste and health need not be mutually exclusive. Natural foods like rice, wheat, pulses, fruits, and vegetables provide essential fats without the added risks of oils.
The proposal to tax cooking oils presents a bold solution to the burgeoning health crisis. By recognizing the impact of oils on heart health and advocating for a shift to zero-oil cooking, SAAOL invites a reevaluation of culinary practices for a future free from heart disease. Innovation is paramount in the battle against heart attacks, and this proposal may offer the bold step needed to save lives and pave the way for healthier generations to come.
The author can be mailed at rkraisamp@gmail.com
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