Mumbai orthopaedic surgeon reveals 5 healthier alternatives to palm oil for deep frying your snacks this Diwali

Published on: Oct 19, 2025, 17:20:51 IST

By Eshana Saha

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The kind of oil you use in your Diwali snacks can make a huge difference to your health, according to Dr Vora. (Pixabay)

Diwali is synonymous is sweets and fried snacks, but the ingredients you choose can made a big difference to your health! Dr Vora shares 5 oil swaps to opt for.

Diwali is a season of celebration, sweets, and deep-fried treats - but festive indulgence can take a toll on health. Homemade snacks are the best option, as they allow you to control key ingredients like sugar and cooking oil, making your treats both delicious and healthier.

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Mumbai-based orthopaedic surgeon, health educator, and co-founder of NutriByte Wellness, Dr Manan Vora, is highlighting the importance of choosing the right ingredients for your Diwali snacks. In an Instagram video posted on October 19, the surgeon points out that choosing the right kind of oil is as important as your sugar intake during the festive season. He recommends ditching unhealthy palm oil this Diwali and suggests healthier alternatives.

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A post shared by Dr. Manan Vora (@dr.mananvora)

Choice of oil matters

Diwali is synonymous with sweets and fried delights, but Dr Vora cautions that the type of oil you use is just as important as your sugar intake. He explains, “Most people fry everything in palm oil because it is cheap and easily available. But if you’re deep-frying, your choice of oil makes a huge difference to your health.”

He also stresses that the golden rule is to never reuse oil that has turned dark or smoky.

Choose these palm oil alternatives for healthier snacks this Diwali. (Image generated via Google Gemini)

Which oils to choose?

Dr Vora recommends swapping palm oil for the following healthier alternatives:

Ghee

According to the surgeon, ghee is a much healthier alternative, as it is very stable at high heat and adds a rich flavour to your fried snacks.

Refined coconut oil

Refined coconut oil is a healthy option because it is packed with MCTs (Medium-Chain Triglycerides) that can be digested easily, according to Dr Vora.

Groundnut oil

Third in Dr Vora’s list of healthy oil swaps is groundnut oil. He highlights that it not only promotes heart health but also imparts a rich nutty flavour which is perfect for Indian snacks.

Rice bran oil

Dr Vora points out that rice bran oil is a great choice since it helps lower the levels of LDL or “bad” cholesterol.

Avocado oil

This is not easily available, but Dr Vora suggests that if you can get your hands on some, you should definitely use it for fried snacks because it is a great choice for deep frying.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It 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
Eshana Saha
Eshana Saha is a fresh face in lifestyle and cultural journalism, bringing a refined, multidisciplinary perspective to the intersection of entertainment, fashion and holistic wellbeing. With less than a year of professional experience, she has quickly adapted to high-pressure editorial environments and currently works full-time with HT Media. Prior to this, she interned for nearly six months with Hindustan Times’ entertainment and lifestyle vertical, where she gained hands-on experience in digital reporting, trend analysis and editorial storytelling. Based in New Delhi, Eshana specialises in comprehensive coverage of major cultural moments — from international film press tours to the curated aesthetics of global fashion showcases, award shows and music-centred events. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from St Xavier’s University, Kolkata, and a Master’s degree in English from the University of Delhi, equipping her with a strong academic foundation and a keen ability to deconstruct complex cultural trends into clear, high-impact narratives. Beyond the red carpet, Eshana has developed a growing focus on health and wellbeing reporting. She bridges the gap between celebrity-driven trends and practical, evidence-informed lifestyle advice, ensuring her work remains both aspirational and grounded in editorial rigour. She has extensively covered the health implications of Delhi’s air pollution crisis, while also playing a key role in amplifying expert-led insights on women’s health and mental wellbeing, helping translate complex medical perspectives into informed, impactful public awareness. An artist at heart, she explores multiple creative forms — from visual arts and music to culinary experiments — and brings a creative’s eye for nuance, texture and detail to every story. Whether analysing runway dynamics or examining emerging wellness movements, she remains committed to accuracy and the highest standards of contemporary journalistic ethics.Read More

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