Cardiologist reveals what using refined oils does to our heart, body: Triggers obesity, increases risk of heart attack

Updated on: Sep 9, 2025, 09:14:26 IST

By Krishna Pallavi Priya

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Refined oil can raise bad cholesterol, cause chronic inflammation, trigger obesity and diabetes, and more. (Photo by Ashwini Chaudhary(Monty) on Unsplash)

Cardiologist Dr Anurag Sharma warns about the dangers of using refined oil. Key risks include increased bad cholesterol, chronic inflammation, and more.

Refined oil has been used in our households for many years. Per a May 2016 study, dietary factors, particularly edible oils, play an important role in the causation, treatment, management, and prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD). Since cooking oils form an integral part of Indian diets, caution and educating oneself about the cons and benefits of these oils is necessary.

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5 ways in which refined oil is causing harm to your heart health

In an Instagram post shared on September 6, Dr Anurag Sharma, a heart specialist and cardiologist, shared 5 ways refined oil harms our body. Sharing the post, the expert wrote, “You may have used refined oils for years…but do you know what it does to your body? This information is for your awareness. Your heart health is invaluable; take steps to protect it.”

Did you know repeated usage of refined oil also triggers obesity and diabetes, due to the presence of high omega-6 and damaged fats? (Adobe Stock/Amazon)

Here are the 5 factors that the cardiologist highlighted in his post:

1. It raises bad cholesterol (LDL), which further clogs our arteries.

2. It causes chronic inflammation, which in turn weakens our heart and the blood vessels.

3. Repeated usage of refined oil also triggers obesity and diabetes, due to the presence of high omega-6 and damaged fats.

4. It leaves chemical residues in our body, which may harm the liver and our gut health.

5. Lastly, refined oil usage increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and hypertension.

What are the best oils for Indian cooking?

But then what oil should you use in your cooking? In an Instagram post shared on June 15, cardiologist Dr Alok Chopra suggested five oils for Indian cooking, including ghee, coconut oil, mustard oil, sesame oil, and groundnut oil. These oils offer various health benefits, learn more about them here.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Krishna Pallavi Priya
Krishna Priya Pallavi is a journalist with over 9 years of experience, covering health, fashion, pop culture, travel, wellness, entertainment, festivals, mental health, art, decor, fitness, and sex and relationships. She is an alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Dhenkanal, and holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi. Her strong academic foundation informs her analytical and detail-oriented approach to storytelling, helping her uncover stories where none seem to exist. Before joining Hindustan Times, Pallavi worked with some of India’s leading media organisations. She spent close to three years at India Today, where she honed her newsroom skills and developed a sharp editorial sensibility. She also worked for over a year and a half at Vagabomb, ScoopWhoop’s feminist digital platform, where she explored stories through a gender-sensitive, socially aware lens. Pallavi has a deep interest in global fashion trends and international fashion seasons, and enjoys interviewing celebrities and tracking pop culture movements—interests that frequently translate into engaging, reader-friendly stories. Alongside lifestyle and entertainment, she has a keen eye for impactful health and wellness journalism, regularly interacting with doctors, designers, and digital content creators to bring nuance and credibility to her work. Born and raised in Haryana, Pallavi remains deeply connected to her ancestral roots in Odisha. Her ability to spot fresh angles brings curiosity and depth to stories she pursues. When not chasing deadlines, she enjoys spending time with her dog, planning her next vacation, reading, running new trails, and discovering new destinations.Read More

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