In today’s fast-paced world, stress and poor lifestyle choices have pushed healthcare towards the end of the priority list. More and more youngsters are falling into the trap of bigger health issues, highlighting the importance of focusing on building immunity.
According to a study by the Indian Council of Medical Research, approximately 25% of young adults in urban areas suffer from hypertension, and around 15% are diagnosed with diabetes. Additionally, obesity rates among the youth have increased by 40% over the past decade.
Talking to the Onlymyhealth team, Anubhav Agarwal, MD & CEO, BN Group said, “While a balanced diet, sufficient sleep and a healthy lifestyle are fundamental to good health, certain nutrients play an essential part in boosting our immune defences. The holy trinity, as one may call them, are- vitamins A, C and D. These three together, regulate, boost and modulate the immune system.”
How Vitamin A, C and D Work Together
“Vitamins A, C, and D work together to ensure a comprehensive and balanced immune response. This trio ensures that our immune system operates smoothly on multiple fronts, from preventing pathogens from entering the body to effectively eliminating those that do,” said Agarwal.
Agarwal explained how each vitamin works together to boost overall immunity:
- Vitamin A: It regulates the immune system by maintaining the integrity of our skin and mucous membranes and supporting white blood cell production.
- Vitamin C: It is a powerful antioxidant, protects immune cells from damage and enhances the production of phagocytes and lymphocytes.
- Vitamin D: It aids in nutrient absorption, modulates the immune system, and helps fight pathogens and bacteria. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties help prevent excessive inflammation.
Sources Of Vitamin A, C and D
The problem is that all these three essential vitamins cannot be found in a single food item. Agarwal suggested a solution, “Incorporating these vitamins into cooking oils can be an effective way to ensure that these essential nutrients are easily accessible, thus supporting overall health and immunity.”
Cooking oils infused with vitamins A, C, and D provide an easy way to integrate these essential nutrients into everyday diet. According to FSSAI, incorporating them into edible oils is an effective strategy to combat micronutrient deficiencies. Fortified oils are recognised for supplying 25% to 30% of the recommended dietary allowances for vitamins A and D, making them a valuable nutritional resource.
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Agarwal said, “Vitamins A and D are both renowned for their stability, a trait that makes them particularly suitable for fortification in cooking oils.” He explained, “Vitamin A exhibits greater stability in oils compared to other food items. This means that when vitamin A is added to cooking oils, it retains its nutritional value more effectively. Similarly, the integrity of vitamin D remains intact during both the processing and storage phases, ensuring that the vitamin's health benefits are delivered to the consumer.”
He added, “The addition of these vitamins does not change the taste, flavour, or colour of the oil, making it an invisible addition that consumers can benefit from without noticing any difference in the taste. This feature is particularly important for maintaining the natural appeal of cooking oils while boosting their nutritional value.”
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Agarwal listed the benefits and ease of using fortified edible oils:
- Vitamin-enriched edible oils are a strategic approach to combating micronutrient malnutrition.
- Fortified edible oils ensure that the vitamins are delivered efficiently to the body, enhancing their bioavailability and effectiveness.
- Fortified oils ensure that even those with dietary restrictions or limited access to fresh produce can efficiently obtain these essential nutrients.
- Investing in vitamin-infused edible oils is a smart choice for health-conscious consumers as they integrate seamlessly into daily cooking routines, providing essential nutrients without the need for additional supplements.
- The convenience of fortified edible oils ensures consistent intake, which is crucial for maintaining optimality.
The Benefits of Nutrient-Rich Edible Oils
Agarwal concluded that edible oils infused with vitamins A, C, and D represent a forward-thinking approach to nutrition. They offer a practical solution to enhancing dietary intake of essential vitamins, supporting immune function, and promoting overall health. These vitamins can be easily incorporated into oils without requiring complex or expensive equipment.