Food with ‘trans fat’ in abundance in the market, heart and brain are paying the penalty

 Food with ‘trans fat’ in abundance in the market, heart and brain are paying the penalty

Doctors say that the trans fat (very bad fat) hidden in bakery products, noodles, puffs and French fries, which are abundant in the market, is causing serious damage to the heart and nervous system at a young age.

Food with ‘trans fat’ in abundance in the market, heart and brain are paying the penalty

February 15, Kathmandu. ‘What is the worst fat found in?’ This is a question that senior cardiologist Dr. Ommurthy Anil often asks his patients who come to him for check-ups.

Most of those who come to check answer, ‘Red meat, ghee, milk, butter.’

Some add, ‘The fat in oil can be bad.’

He explains, ‘The worst fat in the world is found in foods containing trans fats.’

According to Dr. Anil, eating foods containing trans fats for a long time is fatal to the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and brain. But we do not find it unusual to eat biscuits with tea in the morning, puffed noodles in the afternoon, and french fries with friends in the evening.

But hidden within this easy and tasty option is ‘trans fat’, i.e. very bad fat (unhealthy fat).

According to the doctor, foods containing trans fats are causing chronic diseases in the body. This is not a ‘normal fat’, but a silent poison that opens the door to chronic diseases.

A monitoring conducted by the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control last November showed this alarming situation. During the monitoring, the ‘croissant’ of Nanglo Bakery and the puff produced by Khajuri Nepal Pvt. Ltd. were found to be harmful to health. After ‘trans fat’ was found to be more than the limit set by the government, the Food Department completely banned the sale and distribution and destroyed them.

Trans fat is considered one of the most harmful fats from a health perspective. According to experts, the reason for the increase in trans fat is unhealthy diet and urban lifestyle. Due to trans fat, heart attacks are increasing at a young age.

‘The trend of heart attacks that we are seeing in patients is directly related to diet,’ says senior cardiologist Dr. Prakash Raj Regmi, ‘Trans fat is an important reason for that.’

What is trans fat?

Trans fat is found from two sources, natural and artificial. It is found in the fat in red meat of animals such as cows, buffaloes, goats, and in dishes made from milk and yogurt. According to doctors, trans fats obtained from natural sources when consumed in small amounts do not have much negative impact on health. However, consuming excessive amounts can have negative impacts.

Industrial trans fats produced in the food industry are extremely harmful to health. They are obtained from artificial sources.

Industrial trans fats are mainly produced by converting vegetable oils into ghee through hydrogenation. In this process, it is produced by heating vegetable oils at high temperatures and adding hydrogen molecules. In this process, the liquid oil is converted into a solid state, i.e. vegetable ghee.

The vegetable ghee produced from this process is used to make various processed foods including bakery products, biscuits, cookies, ready-made noodles, bhujiya, dal moth, potato chips, etc.

Trans fats, which are produced by heating cheap oils in the industry and adding hydrogen, increase the amount of fat. In addition, foods cooked in such very bad fats become tasty and can be stored for many days.

Foods cooked in such oil are mostly used for packaged foods. Foods that look attractive from the outside are very harmful to health. Even if vegetable oil is heated many times, the amount of trans fat increases. Pakodas, samosas, potatoes, and chicken cooked in such oil are delicious to eat.

Another senior cardiologist, Dr. Premraj Vaidya, says, “It is considered good to eat one teaspoon of ghee a day. However, trans fat-rich foods are very dangerous.”

Senior cardiologist, Dr. Ommurthy Anil, says that heart attacks are increasing in people in their 30s and 40s. The main reason for this is a bad lifestyle and eating trans fat-rich foods. He says, “Trans fat-rich foods cause blockage in the blood vessels of a healthy person and lead to heart attacks. It affects everyone from children to senior citizens, pregnant women.

Transfats that poison the blood vessels

Ultra-bad fats (transfats) increase the amount of bad cholesterol in the blood and reduce the amount of good cholesterol. Similarly, they negatively affect the inner part of the arteries and increase the narrowing of the arteries.

'Not only does it narrow the blood vessels, it also causes inflammation (a condition like a swollen wound) in the inner part,' says Dr. Regmi, 'When cholesterol accumulates, blood blockage occurs. Which can lead to a heart attack or stroke.' Not only this, transfats increase the risk of type-2 diabetes.

Due to processed foods prepared for commercial purposes, fat accumulation around the stomach, weight gain and metabolic syndrome are increasing. There is an increasing addiction to junk food among children these days. Obesity, high blood pressure and pre-diabetes are starting to appear at school age, says Dr. Vaidya.

Experts say that excessive trans fat intake by pregnant women can affect fetal development. “There is a possibility that the effects of trans fat can reach the newborn through breastfeeding,” says Dr. Vaidya, “and the risk can last for a generation.” It is not limited. It has a bad effect on the health of the unborn child.

The fried and packaged foods in the market are rich in trans fats. Doctors say that excessive consumption of which leads to fatal diseases at an early age and many people die.

Dr. Regmi claimed that a young woman died after eating Bhujia after watching an advertisement. Recalling an incident a few years ago, he said, "Amitabh Bachchan had promoted Bikaji Bhujia in a very attractive way on Sony TV. A young woman is an Amitabh fan. After consuming Bhujia for a long time, she had reached a state of heart failure."

According to Dr. Regmi, continuous consumption of Bhujia weakened the heart muscle, increased blood pressure and cholesterol. Due to which the heart could not pump properly.

Heart disease is becoming the leading cause of death in the world. The main risk factors are unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco and alcohol consumption. A study by the World Health Organization has shown that high intake of trans fats increases the risk of death by 34 percent.

Effects of diet on the brain

Experts say that brain diseases have started increasing among Nepali youth due to changing diets along with modern lifestyle. According to neurologist Dr. Sushil Mohan Bhattarai, serious neurological diseases including stroke, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and other diseases have started appearing even in young people in their 30s due to trans fat-rich foods and unhealthy lifestyle.

Dr. Bhattarai, who works at a civil hospital, says, 'Earlier, paralysis and brain stroke were considered diseases that occurred after reaching the age of 70. But now it is seen in young people in their 30s.'

According to Dr. Bhattarai, after trans fats enter the body, they go directly to the cell membrane. Cell membranes are very important for maintaining the structure of the body and for communicating from one cell to another.

In order for the brain to implement what the hand thinks, there must be continuous communication between the nerves. But when trans fats start to mix with cell membranes, communication is disrupted and brain functions gradually deteriorate.

According to Dr. Bhattarai, trans fats reduce the amount of serotonin, the ‘happy chemical’ produced in the brain. Due to this, people in the modern era have started to tend to be more sad, negative and depressed. Not only that, but the ability to learn new things and memory decline.

‘Many college-going students come to the clinic with problems with concentration,’ says Dr. Bhattarai.

Similarly, according to Dr. Rajiv Jha, senior neurosurgeon at Bir Hospital, when the amount of fat in the body increases, the blood vessels that carry blood begin to clot. When fat accumulates in the veins, the blood flow is blocked, due to which the amount of oxygen that should reach the brain decreases.

According to Dr. Jha, if blood circulation is blocked in any part of the brain, the risk of stroke is high. ‘When too much fat accumulates, the vessels become narrow or stiff. That leads to brain hemorrhage or stroke,’ says Dr. Jha says.

According to Dr. Bhattarai, smoking is the number one risk factor for stroke in young people. In second place is unhealthy diet and foods high in trans fats.

‘Brain-related diseases are more common in urban youth and they smoke and eat foods high in trans fats from a young age,’ said Dr. Bhattarai.

Regarding the direct link between trans fat intake and stroke, Dr. Jha says, ‘Obesity and high blood pressure are the main problems in many patients who come to the hospital. Patients who have strokes at a young age often have an unhealthy lifestyle, excessive consumption of junk food, and lack of physical activity.’

Trans fat-rich foods in abundance in the market

Data from the Food Department shows that some of the foods produced in the market are very harmful to health. The department had monitored 67 prepared food items and the raw materials used in them in the last one year.

Of these, 16 percent, or 11, were found to contain trans fats exceeding the standard. In which the total fat content of the food item was more than two percent.

Manita Vaidya, Director General of the department, says, ‘During the monitoring, up to 15.5 percent trans fat was found. Which is very harmful to health.’

Eight puffs were tested during the monitoring. Four puffs had trans fat levels exceeding the standard. Four of the six vegetable ghees tested had high trans fat levels. Vaidya claimed that the products found to have trans fat levels exceeding the standard were returned to the market.

Dr. Anil says, ‘Finding 15.5 percent trans fat in food in the market is a poison for health. Eating such foods directly blocks the blood vessels of the heart and causes heart attacks.’

In the race to increase profits, hotels, restaurants and roadside shops are repeatedly using oil to make fast food such as pakodas, samosas, puris, chicken fries, sausages, etc., which produces trans fat. Deep frying destroys all the nutrients in the food and adds harmful fats to it.

“Most of the sweet shops in the market are using vegetable ghee and oil containing trans fats to make sweets. These dishes, which look smooth, shiny and durable, are actually poisonous to the heart and blood vessels,” said Dr. Vaidya.

Dr. Regmi adds, “Repeatedly heating oil is harmful. It is used Not only is it linked to disease, but it is also linked to the risk of cancer. It is advisable to avoid using vegetable ghee as much as possible.

Main causes of death Heart and stroke

The mortality rate from non-communicable diseases is increasing in Nepal. According to statistics, a large part of the total deaths are due to respiratory diseases, heart diseases, and strokes.

According to experts, unhealthy diet and increased consumption of processed foods are one of the main reasons for this.

According to the 2023 data of 'Nepal Burden of Disease', respiratory diseases are the number one cause of death in Nepal, heart disease is the second, and stroke is the third.

Our diet, behavior, and lifestyle have emerged as the main root causes of the spread of non-communicable diseases. Experts say that non-communicable diseases are increasing as a 'dormant' epidemic in developing countries in recent times. The mortality rate is also increasing in proportion to that. According to the latest statistics, 71 percent of deaths in Nepal are due to non-communicable diseases.

Public health expert Dr. Rita Thapa says that the increase in the incidence of non-communicable diseases has become a matter of concern in recent years. According to Thapa, non-communicable diseases are increasing due to luxurious lifestyle and carelessness in eating, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

According to Dr. Thapa, the reasons are in our hands. There are things related to our lifestyle. Our behavior, junk food, lifestyle, use of tobacco products at a young age, and lack of exercise are the result.

‘Children at a young age consume tobacco products, junk food, and alcohol. Parents also give junk food to young children for lunch,’ Dr. Thapa clarified, saying, ‘The burden of non-communicable diseases is increasing due to lack of physical exertion and excessive stress.’

Is it right to call food ‘junk’? – Online Khabar

State silence, consumer health at risk

With the beginning of the 2000s, health agencies in various countries of the world began to implement regulations to control trans fats used in food. Denmark introduced stricter standards in 2003, while Switzerland banned trans fats in 2008.

Within the United States, New York banned trans fats in 2006 and California in 2008. Canada followed suit in 2008. These decisions led to very low trans fat levels in many foods and complete bans on many products.

Then, it was announced that heart attacks, high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes in young people had decreased. Denmark announced that it had reduced the incidence of diseases in young people by 50 percent. But at the time, many countries found it difficult to believe what Denmark had announced.

The World Health Organization investigated the issue and declared Denmark a “trans fat-free” country.

In the United States and Canada, the amount of trans fat must be stated on the label of packaged foods sold.

The World Health Organization had launched a campaign with the goal of eliminating industrial trans fats from all countries of the world by 2023.

On 24 Magh 2078, the government passed the Multi-Sectoral Action Plan (2021-2025) for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases. Under this plan, there is a policy to keep trans fats below 2 percent of the total fat content of food.

The Department of Food Technology and Quality Control has implemented the standards since 25 Shrawan 2081 after the standards were approved by the Food Standards Committee. However, it has not been adequately monitored.

Consumer rights activists say that the state machinery is still not serious about trans fat-containing foods being sold openly in the market. Consumer rights activist Madhav Timalsina says that the problem will worsen unless the state comes up with a clear and strict policy. According to him, the problem extends from production to regulation.

‘First of all, there should be stricter restrictions on the import of raw materials. Trans fat testing should be made mandatory at customs and quarantine checkpoints. But it does not seem to be happening effectively,' said Timalsina.

Stating that merely setting standards is not enough, he says that strictness is needed in implementation.

'The policy is limited to paper. There is no will to implement it. The terror of trans fats in the market will not stop until a comprehensive awareness campaign is launched among the government, industrialists, importers and consumers,' said Timalsina.

Department spokesperson Bal Kumari Sharma claims that food products have been monitored regularly lately.

'Last November, we recalled the puff produced by Khajuri from the market after it was found to be substandard,' says Sharma. 'We found that it was safe to eat in subsequent monitoring.'

Lax regulation

The Food Hygiene and Quality Act, 2081, clearly provides for mandatory labeling of food and beverages. It is the responsibility of producers and sellers to provide consumers with accurate and clear information about the nature, quality, quantity, expiration date and potential risks of the product.

Similarly, the Consumer Protection Act, 2075 BS, has ensured the right of consumers to be informed about price, quality, results and purity, and has provided a legal basis to protect them from the sale and distribution of products that are harmful to human health.

But the law seems to be limited to paper. Unlabeled food products are found being sold openly in the market. Some products do not even mention the details of ingredients, production and expiry date. Due to this, consumers are directly at risk due to weak state monitoring.

The Advertisement (Regulation) Act, 2076 BS and the Consumer Protection Act, 2075 BS clearly prohibit misleading and false advertisements related to health and nutrition. Who is it? These legal provisions could have been enough to stop the aggressive marketing of unhealthy foods, sugary drinks, and industrial trans-fat products targeting children. But implementation is weak. The Food Technology and Quality Control Department and provincial-level laboratories have cited a lack of manpower as the reason for their inability to conduct effective monitoring.

The argument of limited technical capacity and weak laboratory infrastructure at the food department, provincial laboratories, and local levels has been repeated. The growing market for highly processed foods, the tendency to not follow labeling, and a weak monitoring system have made the situation more complicated. The regulatory mechanism is in disarray, increasing the health risks to consumers.

Health experts say that mandatory mention of trans-fat content on food labels, clear visual warnings, and targeted implementation strategies are necessary to control industrial trans-fat. They suggest that inspection and laboratory capacity should be strengthened by implementing tax policies and strict labeling at the provincial level.

Consumer rights activists in Timalsina say that there should be no delay in making market monitoring effective and banning the sale and promotion of high-trans-fat products in schools and communities.

Preparations to bring a multi-sectoral action plan

The government has said that preparations are underway to bring a new multi-sectoral action plan for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases. According to Health Secretary at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Bikas Devkota, the action plan implemented from 2021 to 2025 has expired. Now, the process of formulating a new strategy for 2026 to 2030 has been initiated.

Stating that the main causes of non-communicable diseases lie outside the health sector, Dr. Devkota says that multi-sectoral cooperation is indispensable.

‘About 80 percent of the causes of non-communicable diseases are related to factors outside the health sector,’ says Dr. Devkota. ‘They are linked to other ministries and agencies on issues such as environmental pollution, chemical substances, waste management, and pesticides.’

According to him, although the previous action plan tried to include a multi-sectoral concept, sufficient success was not achieved in practical implementation.

‘The health sector alone cannot be held responsible; other sectors should also reduce the causes that negatively affect health through their policies, investments, and practices,’ he emphasized. He also said that a strategy will be prepared so that various ministries and stakeholders can clearly contribute through policies, resources and programs.

‘A plan is being prepared to incorporate the lessons learned from the previous period into a new strategy and address the weaknesses and challenges seen in implementation,’ says Dr. Devkota, adding, ‘A more effective and clear multi-sectoral approach is now needed to control non-communicable diseases.’

‘A person smiling on the outside may be in pain on the inside’

 ‘A person smiling on the outside may be in pain on the inside’

A hectic lifestyle, economic insecurity, rising unemployment, social expectations and fear of the future, as well as the influence of excessive social media, are further increasing mental pressure.

‘A person smiling on the outside may be in pain on the inside’

The \'Let's talk about our hearts\' campaign launched by the Nepal government is a national initiative to make mental health a social priority and break the silence.

The campaign aims to encourage adolescents, youth and the general public to seek awareness, empathy and support about mental health.

We live in a society bound by collective thinking and culture. It is our habit to talk to each other, gather, and exchange experiences. Whether at home, in a tea shop, in the office or on social media - there is no shortage of words. But one important thing is often lost in all this dialogue - the heart.

From the outside, many people look normal and happy. They have a smile on their face, and their behavior is easy. But that smile is not always genuine. Some people put on a show of their pain so that no one can see it. On the inside, they may be tired, scared, confused, and depressed. These mental struggles that are not visible on the outside are not easily understood, and are often ignored.

The Importance of the ‘Let’s Talk About It’ Campaign

The ‘Let’s Talk About It’ campaign launched by the Government of Nepal is not just an information program, it is a national initiative to make mental health a social priority, break the silence, give courage to speak up, and encourage people to seek help.

The campaign focuses on promoting awareness, empathy, compassion, and dialogue about mental health, especially among adolescents, youth, and the general public. It aims to remove discrimination and misconceptions, develop stress management and various skills, and encourage people to seek professional help when needed. In addition, the campaign also covers social safety and support services such as digital wellness, family and community support, and the 1166 helpline.

The Pain Behind the Smile

In daily life, many people are fulfilling their responsibilities with a smile, but on the inside, they are suffering. They want to express their feelings, but they are afraid - 'If I tell my pain, will society think I am weak, will they criticize me, will they blame me?' Worries like these prevent them from speaking up.

Because of these thoughts and fears, the pain of the mind remains hidden inside. Over time, these problems become deeper and begin to affect the person's performance, relationships, and enthusiasm for life. Eventually, it may become difficult to even do normal tasks.

How do mental problems look?

Many in our society still associate mental problems with 'madness'. Most people easily assume that 'he is depressed' or 'he is crazy' when they see symptoms such as sadness, anxiety, fatigue, or inability to concentrate. But the reality is different from such simple perceptions.

Mental problems come in many forms and can manifest differently in each person. While some may suffer from constant sadness, lack of confidence, or insomnia, others may experience excessive anger, anxiety, social distancing, or changes in behavior.

Some people may experience difficulty expressing their feelings, losing focus at work or school, or having difficulty fulfilling daily responsibilities. Similarly, there may be a more severe mental health problem that can have a long-term impact.

Importantly, not all mental health problems are always obvious from the outside. Some people hide their suffering and act as if they are normal, which can mislead society. Therefore, a sensitive approach is needed to understand each person’s experiences, circumstances, and inner feelings, rather than judging mental health problems solely based on external behavior.

Why is a mental health campaign necessary now?

Mental health problems are not new in Nepal. But the environment for talking about them openly was not created for a long time. Many still associate mental health with ‘weakness’ or ‘madness’. These are challenging times – a hectic lifestyle, economic insecurity, rising unemployment, social expectations and fear of the future, as well as the influence of excessive social media, are increasing mental pressure.

These are the reasons why people are stressed inside. In such situations, the ‘Speak Your Mind’ campaign works to break the silence, encourage people to speak up, and create an environment that inspires them to seek help.

Listening: Our Shared Responsibility

Many people ask – what can we do if we are not the treating doctors?’ The answer is simple – we can listen. This means listening attentively, not interrupting, and not imposing immediate solutions. Without denying feelings, sometimes a simple statement like ‘I understand you’ can be a great support.

When is it necessary to seek help from a specialist?

Not all problems can be solved by yourself or with the help of a friend. If the problem persists for a long time, begins to affect work, studies, or relationships, persistent negative thinking increases, or thoughts of self-harm/suicide begin to arise, it is essential to seek help immediately.

In this case, consulting a doctor, psychologist, psychiatrist, or other mental health professional can be a life-saving step. Seeking help in a timely manner can help Health problems are easier to manage and have a positive impact on a person's life, performance and overall health.

Only when we speak our minds, understand others and show empathy, can we build a healthy, cooperative society. The 'Speak Your Mind' campaign gives us this message - speaking up is not weakness, it is courage. Sometimes, a little listening and a little support can save a life.

Children may be deficient in vitamin D in winter, what to do?

 Children may be deficient in vitamin D in winter, what to do?

Sunlight is the best natural source to compensate for the problem of vitamin D deficiency.

Children may be deficient in vitamin D in winter, what to do?

Vitamin D helps strengthen children's bones and teeth, helps in height growth, and increases their ability to fight disease.

Children are deficient in vitamin D due to less exposure to sunlight in winter, wearing thick clothes, and not taking them outside much.

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for the healthy development of children. Vitamin D strengthens children's bones and teeth, helps in height growth, increases their ability to fight disease, and helps in muscle development.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, vitamin D deficiency can cause problems such as 'rickets', a softening of bones in children, which weakens bones. But vitamin D deficiency in children is seen due to less exposure to sunlight in winter, not taking children outside for a long time, and wearing thick clothes.

Parents need to know why children develop vitamin D deficiency during the winter, how to recognize it, and how to prevent and treat it.

Causes of vitamin D deficiency in newborns:

Vitamin D deficiency in newborns is often associated with pregnancy. The baby gets vitamin D from the mother while she is in the womb. If the mother does not spend enough time in the sun during pregnancy or is deficient in vitamin D, the baby can also be born with a deficiency. According to the Mayo Clinic, vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women increases the risk of rickets in the baby.

Although breast milk is the best food, it contains low levels of vitamin D. Therefore, exclusively breastfed babies may need vitamin D supplements.

In winter, if the baby is not exposed to the sun due to fear of cold, the skin cannot produce vitamin D. The body produces vitamin D from UVB rays, which are less in winter.

Babies born prematurely have low vitamin D stores in the body, which increases the risk of deficiency by 2-4 times.

Children with dark skin produce less vitamin D from the sun, and this problem is also more common in polluted areas.

Why is vitamin D deficiency more common in winter?

The main reasons for vitamin D deficiency in winter are:

- The sun's rays are shorter in winter.

- Morning and evening sunlight are not effective, because the 'UVB' rays are weaker.

- The child's body is covered with thick clothes, which blocks the skin from the sun.

- Especially in cold weather, children play less outside.

- Fog and pollution block the sun, which reduces UVB rays.

For all these reasons, the child's skin cannot produce enough vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency weakens the immune system, which leads to frequent infections.

Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency

The symptoms of vitamin D deficiency vary according to age.

In newborns and young infants: from birth to 12 months

- Excessive crying, irritability.

-Low milk intake or loss of appetite.

-Slowness in lying down, sitting up or crawling - 'delayed motor development'.

-Soft skull bones.

-Excessive sweating, especially on the head, even at a young age.

-Vitamin D deficiency causes fatigue and weak bones.

In older children: above 1 year

-Leg pain or fatigue.

-Fatigue or muscle weakness when walking.

-Bold legs.

-Frequent illness, such as respiratory infections.

-Height and weight not growing as expected.

Treatment and prevention of vitamin D deficiency

The sun is the best natural source to replenish vitamin D deficiency. Therefore, you should expose your hands, feet or face to the sun for at least 3-4 days a week, for 15-30 minutes.

Newborns can be given vitamin D drops as recommended by a doctor. Do not increase the amount yourself, as excessive amounts can cause problems.

Foods rich in vitamin D can be given after 6 months.

-Egg yolk

-Milk yogurt, ghee in small quantities

-Sun-dried mushrooms

Vitamin D deficiency can be prevented with these foods. Salmon and eggs are also suitable for pregnant women.

Tips for parents:

-Mothers should take vitamin D daily during pregnancy. For that, they should pay attention to sunlight and nutrition.

-The baby should be safely exposed to sunlight regularly, but sunburn should be avoided.

-Vitamin D drops can be given to babies who are exclusively breastfed on the advice of a doctor.

-The child's development should be monitored regularly, such as height, weight and motor skills.

-If there is any doubt, a health worker should be consulted.

By adopting these measures, children's vitamin D levels can be maintained even in winter, which improves their overall health.

Why is a postmortem necessary in unnatural deaths?

 Why is a postmortem necessary in unnatural deaths?

A postmortem is an examination of a body after death and is mandatory according to law in unnatural deaths.

A postmortem helps in finding the cause of death and helps in justice and helps in protecting the future from accidents and diseases.

A postmortem is an examination of a body after death. There are many misconceptions and misconceptions about postmortem in Nepali society. Due to such misconceptions and misconceptions in our society regarding postmortem, most of the relatives of the deceased do not want to perform a postmortem on the body of their loved one after death.

During a postmortem, the body has to be cut open and the internal organs examined. For this reason, people in Nepali society do not want to perform postmortems as much as possible due to religious and cultural issues.

However, if the death occurred in an unnatural manner, then a postmortem of such a body is necessary. For example: if someone finds a body in a murder, suicide, suspicious death, accidental death, sudden death, or a dead body, the police must be notified and a postmortem must be performed according to law. Since such deaths are suspicious, the cause of death must be found for the police investigation, for which a postmortem must be performed.

History of Postmortem

When digging into the history of postmortem, we have to go back to the beginning of the 14th century. In 1302, a postmortem of a body was performed for the purpose of investigating a death in Bologna, Italy. Similarly, since centuries ago, postmortems have also been performed in France, Egypt, and China to assist the law.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, postmortems gradually developed after the traditions of China and Babylon and the advanced use of European medical science. It was born separately in medicine, which was named ‘forensic medicine’. This field includes postmortems of bodies and medico-legal cases.

This branch of medicine is also known and understood as forensic pathology or legal medicine in some countries. In Nepal, the practice of performing postmortems in suspicious deaths seems to have started since 1960. The government doctor of Kathmandu's Prison Hospital officially started postmortems for the first time at Bir Hospital.

Why do postmortems?

Section 20 of the Criminal Procedure (Code) Act 2074 BS states that in the Nepali Constitution, in case of an accident, suicide or suspicious death within the territory of Nepal, the postmortem of the deceased must be paid by the government at all costs. Postmortems are performed at the request of the legal authorities responsible for investigating accidental and unnatural deaths, and the Nepal Police has the legal authority in Nepal.

A question that comes to the police every time after a death is why do we perform postmortems? What is the benefit of performing postmortems? The dead person is already dead, so why should we cause more suffering?

First of all, what should we understand is that we perform postmortems for the living rather than for the dying person. Postmortems provide a basis for finding out the facts and the cause of death, punishing the guilty and saving the innocent.

It helps in justice. In addition, performing a postmortem reveals many details about the death, which not only helps in investigating the death but also helps in making the living aware of diseases and causes of death.

In the event of a vehicle accident, the nature of the internal injuries can be examined and the safety systems of vehicles can be made aware. Previously, it was through such research that helmets were worn while riding a motorcycle, seat belts were made mandatory while driving, and airbags were made mandatory in vehicles, as well as head rests in the event of an accident.

Reasons for performing a postmortem

1. In fatal accidents

A postmortem is mandatory in fatal accidents because it can be found out which part of the human body is most affected in an accident and which part is most affected and leads to death. This helps in knowing about the measures to be taken to avoid the accident, the methods to be adopted in treatment, and awareness. This helps in reducing the number of deaths caused by fatal accidents.

2. In case of sudden death

In case of sudden death, postmortem can be done to find out the disease that most people die from. Postmortem can be done to find out which part of the body is affected by such diseases. By finding out the nature and condition of the disease, society can be helped to save it from diseases. Similarly, this can also help to find out about hereditary diseases and alert other family members in time to save it from premature death.

3. Help the law

The police must conduct a postmortem when investigating a death. The cause of death is mentioned on the basis of the postmortem report, based on which further legal investigation is carried out.

In case of suspicious death, the family, relatives and eyewitnesses of the deceased also make various statements according to their interests. Preparing a postmortem report based on statements affects the police investigation, therefore, postmortem is also mandatory from a legal point of view to help in finding out the exact cause of death and conducting a fair investigation.

3. For scientific research

The nature of the wounds on the body may vary between a vehicle accident, a fall, and a beating, which will allow proper scientific research to examine the nature of the injuries on disputed bodies in the future and determine whether the injuries were caused by a vehicle accident, a duty-related death (beating), or a fall. There may be grounds for distinguishing between the two.

How is a postmortem performed?

A postmortem is performed in all district hospitals or large government hospitals in Nepal. After a police report, it should be performed by a forensic expert or a doctor registered with the Nepal Medical Council. During a postmortem, the body is completely naked, the outer covering is noted, and the body is completely dissected and examined.

Sometimes, pieces of various parts of the body are removed to provide additional evidence for the police to investigate and the doctor performing the postmortem to determine the cause of death. And it is also sent to the police forensic laboratory for further examination. After the postmortem, a report with the doctor's signature is submitted to the police.

Postmortem related mistakes

1. The body is not dismembered during a postmortem

During a postmortem, the body is dissected as needed, and after examining the vital organs, the body is re-stitched and handed over to the relatives in its original state.

2. The organs of the body are not removed during the postmortem

The main purpose of performing a postmortem is to find out the cause of death. Therefore, the body is dissected and examined for important organs. Then the organs are placed inside the body and sewn up and sent. In any suspicious situation, small pieces of organs can be removed for testing for poisons and other chemicals as needed. Then the organs are sewn up in their entirety. After death, no organ works for another person.

3. A postmortem cannot be done without dissecting the body

In Nepal, a postmortem cannot be done without dissecting the body. However, sometimes, since hospital reports reveal the cause of death based on CT scans and X-rays, a postmortem can be done even with minimal incisions. Therefore, the hospital report is important after death.

4. Is it known whether a person is dead or not after an autopsy?

A postmortem is basically to find out the cause of death. After the cause of death is determined, the investigation into whether the death was accidental, accidental, or suicide remains. After the doctor determines the cause of death, the police investigate based on that. The doctor who performs the autopsy does not reveal the exact cause.

But sometimes, based on the nature of the injuries on the body, the doctor can give an opinion to the court about accidental, accidental, or suicide.

Postmortem Neglected

Postmortem plays an important role in determining the cause of death and minimizing deaths due to potential disasters.

Due to the state's lack of importance in this field, the new methods introduced by medical science in this field have not yet been introduced in Nepal, which is why even today the postmortem space in government hospitals in Nepal is limited to a dark room.

In developed countries, postmortem examination rooms are equipped with postmortem X-rays and CT scans, as well as labs for DNA, drug and poison testing, to minimize the amount of dissection required during postmortems. However, ironically, in Nepal, state agencies are less knowledgeable about what constitutes a dead body and have neglected this area in every way.

What is Alpha School in America, where AI teaches instead of teachers!

 What is Alpha School in America, where AI teaches instead of teachers!

What comes to mind when you think of ‘school’? Surely, for many, classrooms from kindergarten to 12th grade, front-line teachers, and long lessons come to mind. This is how schools have been set up for centuries. But now, as AI is changing our lifestyle, the traditional way of learning and schooling has also started to take a new form.

Alpha School, located in Texas, USA, has become a global sensation due to its unique and modern way of teaching students. Instead of a teacher teaching 25-40 students at a time as per the traditional style, it is said that in this school, students are instructed individually by AI guides. It is said that the AI ​​system also analyzes their progress and provides immediate feedback, which helps them improve their weaknesses.

At Alpha School, students are said to have to study for only 2 hours a day. According to international media, after two hours of study, Alpha School students spend time on physical activity, problem-solving activities, leadership exercises, and life skills. These include activities ranging from long bike rides to creative projects and entrepreneurship training.

Another feature of Alpha School is its financial rewards system. Students are said to earn money for completing assignments, projects, or mastering skills, which they can spend on their own projects or interests, or even invest.

According to international media, Alpha School is not a school that appeared overnight or became famous. It has been operating on campuses in Texas, Florida, and California for more than a decade, and is now preparing to expand to New York City. It is said that a new Alpha campus is planned to open in Manhattan next September, with annual tuition fees ranging from $40,000 to $65,000, depending on the location.

This unique and technological teaching style demonstrated by Alpha School has shown the potential for education to take on a completely new form through innovation, not just limited to books and teachers.

What are the procedures for postmortems and identification of those who died in the protests?

 What are the procedures for postmortems and identification of those who died in the protests?

Coordination between forensic science, police, and hospitals is necessary to identify and determine the cause of death of those who died during the protests.

An official letter of medico-legal examination from the police is required before the postmortem is conducted, which confirms the cause of death.

DNA analysis and other scientific methods are used to identify bodies that have been burned, but identifying completely burned bodies is challenging.

Violent incidents during protests cause great human loss. In such incidents, a complex and sensitive procedure is adopted to identify and determine the cause of death of those who die due to gunshots, fire, or other injuries.

Coordination between forensic science, as well as the police, and hospitals is very important to identify and determine the cause of death of the deceased. This process is sensitive from both a scientific and legal perspective.

Incident and initial procedures

People who die during the protests are often taken to the hospital immediately by eyewitnesses or friends. The name of the deceased is registered in the hospital and treatment is attempted. If the person is confirmed not to be alive, the body is sent for postmortem. Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu is a well-equipped centre for mortuary storage and postmortem. The body is preserved in a freezer facility. The teaching hospital has the necessary equipment for proper management of the body and postmortem, which makes the process systematic.

Identification process of the deceased

Initial identification

The identity cards, jewellery or other personal belongings of the deceased form the initial basis for identification. The name and address of the deceased can be ascertained from such items. If such items are not available, the relatives come to the hospital and identify the body.

Personal belongings are of great help in the identification process, but sometimes other scientific methods have to be used in cases where these items are destroyed.

Notification to relatives

Once the details of the deceased are registered in the hospital, the relatives are informed. The hospital maintains a list of the names of the deceased, which the relatives look at to identify the body. Once the identity is confirmed, the postmortem process proceeds.

Postmortem and medico-legal process

A medical-legal examination is required from the police before a postmortem can be conducted. In cases where police stations are affected, such a letter is issued by the Kathmandu Police Complex. A postmortem determines the cause of death, such as gunshot wounds, injuries or fire. This process is important for the relatives of the deceased and the community to uncover the truth.

The main causes of death during the protests currently include gunshot wounds, internal injuries, head injuries or fire. In cases of gunshot deaths, doctors analyze the nature of the bullet and the damage to the body.

Identification of people who died in a fire

The identification of bodies that died in a fire is complicated. For example, in the case of seven people who died in a fire in Bhatbhateni, identification is challenging. Methods such as presumptive identification and DNA analysis are used to identify burned bodies. If jewelry, clothes or other personal belongings are left, they can be used to identify them.

DNA Analysis

When a body is not completely burned and some tissue remains, DNA is extracted and analyzed. This process is carried out at the Central Forensic Science Laboratory of the Nepal Police. DNA analysis can confirm the identity of the deceased, but this process is time-consuming and resource-intensive.

DNA Analysis Process

DNA Extraction

DNA is extracted from white blood cells, because red blood cells do not have a nucleus. DNA can be extracted from bones or teeth in burned bodies, if they are not destroyed.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR-M)

If the amount of DNA is low, the amount of DNA is increased by the PCR-M process. This makes it easier to analyze the DNA sequence adenine, guanine, thymine, cytosine.

Profile Matching

The DNA profile of the deceased is compared with the DNA of his father or mother. A 50 percent match between the father or mother's DNA confirms the identity.

Challenges in completely burnt bodies

If the body is completely burnt and the tissues are destroyed, DNA analysis is not possible. In such a case, identification becomes impossible. Also, if the relatives of the deceased do not contact them in time, the process becomes more complicated. The possibility of identifying completely burnt bodies is limited, but we must make the most of the resources and technology available.

This process is not only to identify the deceased and determine the cause of death, but it is also a means of ensuring truth and justice in society. Such sensitive processes provide comfort to the victim’s family and provide truthful information to society.

Back Pain: An Accounts Officer in the Circle of Wrong Treatment

 Back Pain: An Accounts Officer in the Circle of Wrong Treatment

Accounts Officer Tilak Shrestha started treatment for back pain at the Physiotherapy Unit of Bir Hospital in 2082 Jestha.

Tilak spent more than two hundred thousand rupees on various clinics and treatments for 6 months, but it did not get better.

Physiotherapy at Bir Hospital reduced Tilak's pain by teaching him evidence-based treatment and exercises, and he returned to work.

Tilak Shrestha (name changed) by profession, an accounts officer by profession, arrived at the Physiotherapy Unit of Bir Hospital in 2082 Jestha.

His problem was back pain.

He came here after wandering around many places for treatment but the problem was not resolved.

He recounted the list of frustrations he faced during treatment.

This experience is not unique to him, many people with back pain experience the same. Many people fall into the trap of wrong treatment by following unnecessary suggestions from various people.

Suffering from pain

Tilak had been suffering from back pain for 6 months. The pain was worse when he woke up in the morning. It was worse when he sat or stood for a long time. At first, he ignored it, considering it normal. The pain gradually spread to his legs and made it difficult to walk. He even changed his office chair twice, wondering if it was because he was uncomfortable sitting while working.

Unable to concentrate on work, unable to sit in the office for a long time, and daily life became difficult, he started looking for treatment.

Initial efforts

Initially, he went to an Ayurvedic treatment center in Basundhara as suggested by his uncle. There, he was told that his back hurt due to heavy lifting and sitting in the wrong posture. Tilak did not do heavy lifting. He concluded that his back hurt because he sat in the same position for a long time in the office.

He was given acupuncture services, hot water baths, and massage once a week. He was also told to take some medicines. Although these treatments reduced some of the pain, the problem did not completely resolve. He was charged Rs. 2200 each time for these treatments. The cost of the medicine was separate.

After the fourth massage during the treatment, he started having problems with tingling in his legs and increasing pain.

And at the clinic

When the problem did not work, he went to a clinic near his house to consult a doctor. On the doctor's advice, he got blood tests and X-rays done. These tests did not show any major problems. He was informed that there was a normal bone loss.

It was suggested that further tests be done for further investigation. Accordingly, tests were done for CBC, ESR, vitamin D, calcium, uric acid levels, etc. Additional blood tests were also done for other parameters.

After finding that all the parameters were normal, an MRI was asked to find out the cause of the back pain.

In the same clinic, ‘needle therapy’, ‘traction’, ‘tension’ were given as physiotherapy. However, Tilak did not feel any improvement. Instead, he felt more pain. He was advised to rest for some time and stay at home, not go to the office and not do daily household chores.

Second clinic and expensive expenses

Then he was advised to go to a clinic in Tripureshwor. After examining his problem, it was suggested that he should burst the lump in the back. For this, methods such as ‘needling’, ‘manual’, ‘chiropractic’ massage gun were used.

He underwent the treatment as prescribed there for 15 days at a rate of 1000 per day. But the pain did not reduce much.

More expenses at the third clinic

Then he went to another clinic near the Civil Hospital in Baneshwor. There he spent 500 per day and took hot steam for 9-10 days. He also took massage therapy for the same number of days. He spent 600 per day on that. Here, he spent about 10 thousand.

Although these simple massages and steam treatments provided immediate relief from the pain, they did not provide a long-term solution.

Towards natural treatment

Finally, Tilak went to a center in Baneshwor to seek natural treatment. Where he underwent treatment for 10 days continuously. There, treatments like ‘acupuncture’, ‘cupping’ were given. There, he was given 10 minutes of physiotherapy daily. In which the therapist would stretch his hands and teach him some exercises to do on his own.

These treatments also could not completely cure Tilak’s back pain.

Consultation with a doctor at the National Trauma Center

After many types of treatment did not help, he went to the National Trauma Center to consult an orthopedic doctor. There, the doctor said that the condition was very complicated and that an MRI should be done.

The doctor suggested taking medicine and doing physiotherapy for some time. If that did not help, he was told to get injections.

Tilak informed the doctor that he had not gotten better despite undergoing physiotherapy at various places. After hearing all that, the doctor suggested injections and surgery if necessary, and ordered an MRI.

At the Pain Care Center

Tilak was scared when they said injections and surgery would be necessary. When he consulted his friends and relatives, some gave examples of people who had undergone surgery and recovered, while others advised against surgery. This confusion left him in a dilemma.

After being diagnosed, he again started looking for non-surgical treatment. In the same vein, he reached the Pain Care Center. There, he was prescribed medicine for 20 days. After undergoing various therapies and treatments, he took the service for a few days at the rate of 700 rupees per day.

6 months of suffering and unnecessary expenses

Tilak went to various places for about 6 months for treatment of his back pain. During this, he had to endure physical pain, mental stress, work interruptions, and expenses of more than two hundred thousand rupees. He could not give time to his family. And his lifestyle was greatly affected.

He took 18 days off from work repeatedly during this time. Even after all this treatment, problems such as difficulty doing household chores, sitting in the office for long periods of time, and pain increasing when riding a scooter in potholes persisted.

What is his real problem?

The problem of back pain and the experience of suffering for treatment are common problems for many back pain patients in Nepal. In most cases, back pain is common and complications are rare. But if there is a health problem, it seems that the problem becomes more complicated when various people give various suggestions and the patient follows them.

The use of non-physiotherapy in the name of physiotherapy or the failure to use evidence-based physiotherapy treatment methods are also causing unnecessary suffering to the patient.

Time and money are being spent for free on treatments that do not yield results. There is a tendency to confuse patients by promoting new and unproven methods.

A misconception and practice that when there is a pain problem, an ‘MRI should be done’ at the first appointment has increased in Nepal. On the one hand, there is the problem of healthcare workers who insist on getting an MRI, and in some cases, patients themselves are dissatisfied with the healthcare workers not suggesting an MRI. There are also patients who think that the doctor did not ask for an MRI, perhaps ignoring my problem.

In fact, most back pain is not unnecessary to get an MRI. When an MRI is performed for normal pain, it may show normal ‘disk bulging’ or ‘degenerative changes’, which are also seen in many healthy people with age. When patients are told about these things seen on an MRI, patients are unnecessarily scared. They consider it a big problem and worry.

Similarly, the practice of injecting ‘steroids’ to relieve pain is also increasing in Nepal. Although steroids relieve pain immediately, their long-term effects and repeated use can have negative effects on the body.

What is even more worrying is the increasing trend of recommending surgery for simple back pain. While only 1-2 percent of back pain sufferers have a complex problem that requires surgery.

This is why patients are going through unnecessary suffering, expense, and mental stress. We need to understand that back pain is not a serious illness, it is a normal reaction of the body and can be managed with proper understanding.

The most important thing for back pain is reassurance, patience, and accurate information. About 95 percent of back pain is of a normal nature. It resolves on its own within 6 weeks to 3 months or is completely cured with good self-management.

Evidence-based ‘conservative’ treatment should be the first priority for the first 3 to 6 months. It is necessary to receive individualized physiotherapy services from a certified physiotherapist.

Exercises and hands-on therapies such as mobilization, manipulation, and stretching are provided according to the person’s condition, pain level, and functional capacity. The main goal of physiotherapy is to prepare the patient for self-management by teaching them about their body and pain. The physiotherapist assesses the patient’s functional capacity and suggests ways to increase their functional capacity.

This includes the following:

1. Self-management and patient education

The patient should be explained why back pain occurs, what its normal course is, and that in most cases it can resolve on its own. It is important to develop the idea that ‘back pain is not always serious’. Giving the patient accurate information about their pain reduces unnecessary fear and anxiety.

Fear and anxiety can cause and worsen pain. The patient should be reassured that back pain is normal and is not a long-term problem. Instead of bed rest, they should be encouraged to be active in their usual activities.

2. Pain management and exercise

Exercises that strengthen the back and abdominal muscles, increase flexibility, and improve posture (such as cobra pose, cat-camel stretch, pull exercises) should be taught according to the patient's condition.

Activities such as walking, cycling, and swimming increase blood circulation and help reduce pain. Hot or cold packs can be used to relieve short-term pain.

If the pain is unbearable, painkillers or muscle relaxants can be used on the advice of a doctor. However, relying on such medications for long-term pain relief can have negative effects.

3. Physical exertion and continuation of daily activities

You should be encouraged to continue your normal daily activities despite the pain. Prolonged inactivity can worsen the pain. Teach the correct way to sit, stand, and walk. Correct technique should be adopted when working on a computer or lifting heavy objects. Do not stay in any one posture or position for more than 30 minutes. Take ‘microbreaks’ every 20-30 minutes, such as getting up, walking, or stretching.

4. Psychological support

This is a treatment method provided by a physiotherapist in general and a clinical psychologist in complex cases when the patient shows yellow signs. For example: The role of mental health is important in chronic pain. It helps to change negative thoughts and behaviors towards pain. Meditation and mindfulness practices teach you to reduce the feeling of pain and accept it.

In what cases is complex treatment necessary?

If back pain lasts for 6 months If the pain persists for more than a month, does not improve with treatment, or if other serious symptoms occur along with the pain, other types of treatment are necessary.

For example, if there are problems such as weakness in the legs, problems with urine or stool control, persistent fever, or pain at night, additional tests such as MRI are necessary.

In this case, steroid injections or surgery should be considered. These treatment methods should be recommended only after a thorough evaluation by a specialist doctor.

The change in Tilak

What Tilak suffered in the name of treatment, he became a victim of malpractice. Which tortures the patient financially, physically, and mentally and reduces the importance of physiotherapy.

As advised by the physiotherapy unit of Bir Hospital, Tilak started taking regular physiotherapy sessions. He was given correct information about back pain. He was taught exercises to do daily. He improved his sitting style. He started walking regularly.

He realized that back pain is not always serious and staying active is the best treatment for it. Within a few weeks, his pain significantly decreased and he was able to return to his work fully. He was spared unnecessary expense and suffering.

What are the health risks of repeatedly frying samosas and jerry in oil?

 What are the health risks of repeatedly frying samosas and jerry in oil?

Experts say, ‘Reusing oil increases the risk of heart attack, cancer and other diseases.’

Repeated heating of oil has a negative impact on health as it causes chemical changes and increases the amount of trans-fat.

It is recommended to store oil properly and use new oil.

Often, samosas, pakodas, jerry, etc. are cooked in the same oil repeatedly in chowks and markets. Some people even use the remaining oil after cooking food once in their own homes and kitchens. What happens when oil is used repeatedly in this way?

Experts say, ‘Reusing oil increases the risk of heart attack, cancer and other diseases.’

Not only at home but also in restaurants and roadside stalls, food is prepared by reheating oil. This has a negative impact on health. This can be responsible for many diseases, says senior nutritionist Bhupal Baniya.

Health effects of reusing oil

1. Chemical changes and increase in trans-fat

Repeated heating of cooking oil changes its chemical and nutritional properties. According to a study published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology (2021), repeated heating of oil increases the amount of ‘total polar compounds’, which is harmful to health.

These compounds damage the structure of the oil and increase the level of trans-fat. Bania says that trans-fat increases the risk of heart disease by increasing the amount of bad cholesterol.

According to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition 2020, reheated oil produces free radicals, which damage cells. Free radicals cause oxidative stress, which increases the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes.

2. Cancer risk

Harvard T.H. A study by the Chan School of Public Health (2022) noted that reheated oil produces toxic substances such as aldehydes.

These substances can damage DNA, which encourages the growth of cancer cells. In particular, the oil used in fried foods is repeatedly heated, which increases the amount of these toxins, Bania said.

According to a study published in the International Journal of Cancer (2019), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons found in reheated oil increase the risk of cancer in the lungs, skin and other organs. This risk is especially high in fried foods in hotels and restaurants, where the oil is heated for a long time.

3. Inflammation

Reheated oil promotes inflammation. According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2021), the production of free radicals and other harmful compounds in reheated oil damages blood cells. Chronic inflammation can lead to diseases like heart disease, joint pain, atherosclerosis, and periodontitis.

4. Bacterial infections

When food particles remain in the oil, they encourage the growth of bacteria, says nutritionist Ayush Adhikari. He says, “If used oil is not stored properly, it can lead to the growth of bacteria like Clostridium botulinum, which causes botulism. This is a serious food poisoning that can cause muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, and other complications.”

5. Increase in cholesterol and acidity

According to a study published in the European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology (2023), the amount of saturated fat and oxidized lipids in repeatedly heated oil increases.

These compounds increase cholesterol levels, which harm the heart and blood vessels. In addition, the use of such oil can cause acidity, gas and digestive problems in the stomach, said Adhikari.

Ways to avoid reusing oil

Adhikari says that reusing oil can be avoided by cooking less. He says, "Do not use more oil than necessary and cook in small quantities. This reduces the chances of oil remaining."

You should try to use fresh oil every time you cook. If oil remains, he suggests storing it properly. After the used oil cools down, it should be carefully filtered to remove food particles. This prevents the growth of bacteria, said Adhikari.

"If oil is left over while cooking, it should be stored properly," says Adhikari. "The oil should be stored in a cool and dry place, away from sunlight and heat. Keeping it in the refrigerator reduces the growth of bacteria."

To avoid health problems caused by reusing oil, nutritionist Baniya suggests staying away from fast food and packet food. “These foods should be consumed less frequently as heated oil is frequently used in roadside stalls and restaurants,” says Bania.

He also says that it is important to avoid heating oil for a long time while cooking.

“When cooking, use mustard oil, olive oil or other oils with low saturated fat,” suggests Bania. “These oils are less harmful to heart health.”

Different oils have different smoke points. For example, olive oil is suitable for use at low heat, while sunflower or canola oil can be used at high heat. He also suggests paying attention to these things.

According to Bania, if there is a change in the color, smell or texture of the oil, it should be discarded. No. Such oil may contain high levels of harmful compounds, so the quality of the oil should be checked before use.