Best wellness consultant Gurgaon : - "Stay Cool This Summer: The Best Cooling Oils for Cooking & Wellness in North India" North India experiences intense summers, with temperatures often soaring above 40°C. To maintain internal balance and prevent heat-related issues like dehydration, acidity, and inflammation, choosing the right cooking oils and wellness oils becomes crucial. Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of cooling foods and oils to pacify excess Pitta dosha, which is dominant in summer. This article explores the best cooling oils for cooking and wellness, helping you stay healthy and refreshed during the scorching summer months. Cooling Oils for Cooking When selecting cooking oils for summer, it’s essential to choose ones that have cooling properties, support digestion, and reduce inflammation. Here are some of the best options: 1. Coconut Oil Cooling Effect: Coconut oil is known for its natural cooling properties and helps prevent heat buildup in the body. Nutritional Benefits: It is rich in medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) that provide quick energy and aid digestion. How to Use: Ideal for light sautéing, baking, and using as a finishing oil in summer dishes. It can also be added to smoothies and cold salads. 2. Sesame Oil (Cold-Pressed or White Sesame Oil) Cooling Effect: White sesame oil is different from its toasted counterpart and has a neutral to slightly cooling nature. It helps nourish the body without overheating it. Nutritional Benefits: Packed with antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and minerals, it promotes overall health. How to Use: Best used in summer for light cooking, dressing salads, and as a base for cooling herbal infusions. 3. Rice Bran Oil Cooling Effect: Rice bran oil has a mild cooling effect and is excellent for heart health. Nutritional Benefits: It contains oryzanol, which reduces inflammation and regulates cholesterol levels. How to Use: Perfect for stir-frying, deep-frying, and light cooking in North Indian cuisine. 4. Ghee (Clarified Butter) Cooling Effect: While it is warming in nature, ghee has a unique property of balancing all three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) when consumed in moderation. It supports digestion and nourishes tissues. Nutritional Benefits: Rich in fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and beneficial fatty acids. How to Use: Best consumed in small quantities in dal, chapati, and khichdi to balance body heat. 5. Olive Oil (Extra Virgin for Raw Use) Cooling Effect: Olive oil has a moderate cooling effect and is excellent for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. Nutritional Benefits: High in monounsaturated fats and polyphenols that reduce inflammation. How to Use: Best used as a salad dressing or finishing oil for summer recipes. Avoid high-heat cooking with it. Cooling Oils for Wellness & Body Care Apart from cooking, applying cooling oils to the skin and scalp can help maintain body temperature and prevent heat-related discomfort. Here are the best options: 1. Coconut Oil for Skin & Hair Cooling Effect: Coconut oil helps cool the scalp, reduces body heat, and prevents sun damage. How to Use: Apply to the scalp before washing hair, use as a body massage oil, or mix with sandalwood for a soothing effect. 2. Sandalwood Oil Cooling Effect: Sandalwood oil is deeply cooling and pacifies Pitta dosha, reducing heat rashes and inflammation. How to Use: Mix with a carrier oil like coconut or sesame and apply to pulse points for a cooling effect. 3. Peppermint Oil Cooling Effect: It contains menthol, which provides an instant cooling sensation. How to Use: Dilute with coconut oil and apply to the temples and feet to relieve summer headaches. 4. Aloe Vera Oil Cooling Effect: Aloe vera is naturally cooling and hydrates the skin deeply. How to Use: Use as a body oil or mix with essential oils for sunburn relief. 5. Khus (Vetiver) Oil Cooling Effect: Vetiver oil is known for its deep cooling effect on the body and mind. How to Use: Add a few drops to bath water or mix with coconut oil for a relaxing massage. Using cooling oils in your diet and wellness routine can help maintain internal balance, prevent heat-related health issues, and keep you feeling refreshed throughout the summer. For cooking, coconut oil, rice bran oil, and white sesame oil are excellent choices, while for body care, sandalwood, peppermint, and khus oils offer deep cooling benefits. Embrace these natural cooling solutions to enjoy a healthier and more comfortable summer in North India!