Refined or unrefined oil, which is better? Refined and unrefined vegetable oils - about the differences.

21.10.2019

Sunflower oil on store shelves is presented in an extensive assortment. If earlier the oil was sold only in the form of unrefined, now refined sunflower oil has also appeared. It is well known that sunflower oil is beneficial for a healthy lifestyle due to complex of vitamins and nutrients that are in it. It has found its application in cooking and cosmetology.

The scheme for the production of any oil is very similar. From raw materials, in this case sunflower seeds, oil is obtained by pressing or extraction. Pressing is a mechanical process, while extraction is the extraction of oil with the help of chemicals. In the process of only pressing, it is impossible to completely extract the oil, so extraction is used. In some cases, the extraction process is performed immediately, bypassing pressing.

By adding organic solvents, special equipment and heating during the extraction process, oil is produced from raw materials. After that, the solvent is removed. This process is used to make unrefined sunflower oil.

To obtain a refined one, it is necessary to produce a whole range of oil purification methods to improve its quality and shelf life. This process is called refining, which involves the removal of impurities from products.

During refining, oil is removed from:

  • Phospholipids that precipitate.
  • Pigments that enhance the color of the oil.
  • Fatty acid.
  • Wax-forming products that make the oil cloudy.

Unrefined sunflower oil, its properties and composition

Vegetable oil is rich in phospholipids, mono and polyunsaturated acids, vitamins (A, D, E). The largest amount of useful substances is found in cold-pressed sunflower oil, which is obtained by one pressing without heating.

Unrefined oil rich in nutrients fades quickly and disappears, because the fatty acids and wax contained in it are oxidized under the influence of the sun and air.

It is better to use unrefined oil in its raw form, as dressings for vegetable salads. It captures the characteristic taste and smell well. It is not advisable to stew, bake or fry in unrefined oil, because acids are oxidized in the process, and harmful chemicals (aldehydes, ketones, free radicals) are formed. They have a toxic effect on the human body.

Unrefined sunflower oil has a short shelf life and is best stored in a glass container in the refrigerator.

Refined sunflower oil, its properties and composition

Refined oil, due to its purification during the production process, is suitable for frying and stewing. The absence of odor from the oil does not interrupt the taste of dishes cooked on it. The oil does not saturate the cooked products with nutrients, as the process of cleaning partially removes the nutrients.

When cooking for children under 3 years old and pregnant women, it is better to use refined oil. This oil is not afraid of air and sunlight, so it can be stored for a long time.

Common features between unrefined and refined sunflower oil

Unrefined and refined sunflower oil, produced from the same type of raw material, have some similarities in their composition.

General features inherent in sunflower oil:

  • The common raw material for the production of sunflower oil is sunflower seeds.
  • Refined and unrefined oil is used for cooking.
  • It is sold in special bottles, indicating the type of oil, shelf life and other necessary details.

Differences between unrefined and refined sunflower oil

Sunflower unrefined and refined oil, despite their common features, has significant differences.

Differences between regularly consumed unrefined and refined sunflower oil:

  1. Unrefined oil goes through a primary purification process, while refined oil undergoes several purification phases;
  2. Unrefined - fatty, saturated in composition, and refined - light in nature;
  3. Unrefined sunflower oil has its own specific smell, while refined oil has no smell;
  4. The unrefined oil has its own specific smell, while the refined smell does not;
  5. Unrefined oil is dark amber in color, while refined oil is usually clear or pale yellow;
  6. Unrefined oil is rich in nutrients, and refined oil, due to the refining process, has a minimum amount of nutrients;
  7. Unrefined oil becomes bitter and cloudy due to exposure to air and light, and refined oil can be exposed to direct sunlight for a long time;
  8. The shelf life of unrefined oil is much shorter than that of refined oil;
  9. Unrefined oil is best used in salads, appetizers, and marinades, while refined oil is best used in fried, baked, and stewed foods.

A wide range of unrefined and refined sunflower oil will allow every housewife to make a choice in favor of the oil that meets her requirements and preferences.

Good day! Vegetable oils are present in every kitchen, and their range is simply huge. But how to choose from so many the most healthy and tasty, which will fill the body with health and bring pleasure to taste? To understand this, today we will reveal the topic: refined and unrefined oil - differences.

About the refined product

Refined oil is considered to be one that has undergone a certain process of purification from all kinds of impurities.

Any vegetable oil contains polyunsaturated fatty acids, making this product truly indispensable for the human body. After all, these substances build cell protection against negative effects and destruction. The composition of oils also contains vitamins and nutrients.

Oils are either refined or unrefined. In ancient times, the second option was considered a product for the poor people. In our time, everything has changed and the first oil just began to be considered not very useful - let's figure out why.

The benefits of the product depend on its constituents, which may change during refining, depending on the steps of this process.

Why should you refine? Basically, to deprive the product of taste and smell, making it neutral. This property is necessary for the preparation of various dishes, where additional flavoring and aromatic additions are not required, so as not to spoil the main note.

Another reason for refining is to be used in frying, baking and any other heat treatment. After all, it is precisely such an oil that is intended to be harmless to health after such use, since an unrefined product, when exposed to high temperatures, contributes to the formation of harmful elements.

How oils are refined

In modern production, there are 2 types of refining vegetable oils:

  1. Physical using adsorbents.
  2. And chemical, where alkalis are used.

The second method is more frequent due to its simplicity, better processing and easier control of the finished product.

According to manufacturers, this method is absolutely safe for health, with the absence of any harmful impurities in the final product - the most harmless alkalis are used. This gives the oil the ability to be washed well with the absence of even traces of chemical elements on them.

Refining is carried out using a substance called Hexane (formula C6H14), which is part of gasoline - an organic element (solvent). It is a colorless liquid that does not dissolve in water - the boiling point is 67.8 degrees.

The process is the following:

  • Sunflower seeds are mixed with a chemical;
  • Oil begins to stand out from the product;
  • Hexane is removed with water vapor, and the remaining mixture is treated with alkali.

After that, it remains to give the oil the proper appearance, for which it is deodorized and bleached using water vapor supplied by vacuum.

The last stage - the finished product is bottled and then sent for sale to retail outlets.

Refined and unrefined oil - so what are the differences (handy table)

These two types of vegetable oils have a lot of beneficial properties for the human body, and yet they have differences - so what is the difference:

refined product unrefined product
By production method
Chemical method (extraction) using hexane or gasoline Cold pressed or hot pressed
By cleaning method
Additional technological methods Filtration and mechanical cleaning
By consistency
Softer compound More oily and rich
By smell
Without smell Preservation of natural flavor
By shelf life
Longer shelf life Less shelf life
For the benefit of the human body
Minimal benefit Maximum useful properties

As can be seen from this table, refined oil is still inferior in some respects to unrefined oil, but this is worth talking about in more detail.

Which is more useful

Let's start with a refined product. In fact, the refining process improves some characteristics, but in fact it turns out the opposite:

  • The smoke point changes, amounting to +232 degrees (for unrefined +107).

And it seems that the question - in what oil to fry food, is closed. But here the effect of fragile molecules of fatty acids is achieved, turning them into some kind of “freaks” - trans-isomers or, in other words, trans-fats. And due to the absence of such in nature, the body simply does not know how to behave with them and brings them out. As a result, they remain in cells that do not receive nutrition, damaging the membranes. All this over time leads to the development of diseases such as atherosclerosis, ischemia, various neoplasms and hormonal disruptions. If you stop eating such oils, trans fats will leave the human body only after a year or two.

Therefore, frying even with refined oil is undesirable, especially with daily use.

  • I would like to say about the cosmetology field - such a product, added to a lotion or cream, can accelerate the aging process of the skin. This is explained by the action of free radicals formed in the refined product.

Now let's move on to unrefined oil. It, firstly, differs from refined in a pleasant smell and peculiar taste, which is successfully used in cooking. This is the most natural and useful product, which also has healing properties.

But in order to save all the benefits, certain conditions will need to be met - it is not stored for long (probably the only drawback) and must be kept in a glass container in the dark and cool, or in a metal hermetically sealed jar. After the container has been opened, it must be placed in the refrigerator.

From the foregoing, it can be seen that an unrefined vegetable product is more useful than a refined one, which is more suitable only for frying, and even then it should not be abused.

Unrefined oil - production

Such a product is obtained from a plant-based natural base, without being subjected to additional effects (physical or chemical). There are currently 3 methods:

  • Cold pressed, when the ground seeds are subjected to a pressing process with an exposure temperature of up to 40 degrees. This allows all useful substances to be preserved in the finished product. But such oil is not stored very long, increasing its price;
  • With the hot pressing method, the raw material is first heated to 120 degrees, which allows you to extend the shelf life, while maintaining all the benefits, aroma and color;
  • The extraction method is considered the most inexpensive, but not the most useful. In this production, a chemical solvent is used, which is removed from the resulting oil.

Any of the above production methods is completed by a filtration process to get rid of various mechanical impurities.

Benefits of unrefined sunflower oil

Cold pressing in the production of sunflower oil gives it a large list of useful properties for the human body, allowing it to be used in traditional medicine, cosmetology and, of course, in cooking.

With its regular use, the work of the central nervous system is restored, metabolic processes are normalized, the liver is cleansed and digestion improves. Such a product has a positive effect on brain cells and protects against the development of atherosclerosis.

Even unrefined sunflower oil rejuvenates the skin and has a preventive effect against the appearance of various neoplasms in the body.

The therapeutic effect extends:

  1. on metabolic processes.
  2. To improve memory and attention.
  3. to the endocrine system.
  4. On the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory organs and the cardiovascular system.
  5. On cholesterol levels and the immune system.

Long-term use of such a product is able to cleanse blood vessels, remove bad cholesterol, prevent the development of CV diseases and normalize blood circulation in the brain.

Sunflower oil is also an excellent prophylactic against childhood rickets.

Video: refined or still unrefined? And can you fry on it?

Benefits of unrefined olive oil

No wonder people called olive oil “liquid gold”, because it has a lot of useful properties, having a large number of valuable elements in its composition:

  • Oleic acid lowers cholesterol levels in the blood and appetite, and also speeds up metabolism and improves the functioning of the digestive system;
  • Olive oil has a preventive effect against the development of SS ailments, strengthening blood vessels and making them elastic;
  • The product has a positive effect on bone tissue, which is very useful for children;
  • The restoration of vision is “engaged” by linoleic acid in the composition of olive oil, including ensuring the normal functioning of all tissues, maintaining muscle tone and having a positive effect on the human psyche;
  • The skin of the face will also “say” thanks to this product, which is able to make it soft, silky and healthy, which provides vitamin E.

In the Mediterranean diet, unrefined olive oil occupies the first place, having a positive effect on the entire digestive system.

Benefits of unrefined linseed oil

The oil obtained from flax seeds contains a very important acid for the body - alpha-linoleic, which belongs to polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3). In addition, the product contains many vitamins (E, A, F and K).

The unrefined production method makes the oil slightly bitter in taste, while endowing it with a large number of useful properties that you will feel on yourself after at least 2 months of regular use:

  1. Flaxseed oil aids the process by reducing appetite and improving the performance of any diet.
  2. The benefits of the product extend to the CCC, making blood vessels more elastic and strong, normalizing blood pressure, lowering cholesterol levels in the blood and preventing heart attacks (especially repeated ones).
  3. Helps to get rid of constipation, hemorrhoids and diverticular disease. If you use it on an empty stomach, you can heal from colitis and gastritis, as well as worms and liver diseases. It also prevents the development of gallstone disease and kidney stones.
  4. With the help of unrefined linseed oil, inflammation is relieved in lupus, mastopathy (fibrocystic) and gout. The product helps the body to better absorb iodine.
  5. Flaxseed oil is indispensable for improving the appearance, helping to reduce the secretion of the secretion of the sebaceous glands, cleansing the pores. And the use of oil in the form of masks rejuvenates, softens and fortifies the skin and hair. The increased content of vitamins improves the functioning of the central nervous system and other systems, reducing the risk of developing blood clots, atherosclerosis, hypertension and stroke.
  6. Flaxseed oil has a preventive effect against skin, breast and colon cancer. Such elements in the composition as lingins reduce the spread of tumors, regardless of their location.
  7. These same substances are very useful for the female body, activating the normal hormonal balance. Taking this product will reduce the unpleasant symptoms of menstruation and menopause.

Flaxseed oil also fights swelling and inflammation of the prostate gland in the male population of our planet, healing from infertility and impotence.

Other vegetable oils

I would like to talk a little about coconut oil, which is a staple food in countries such as Thailand, India and Indonesia.

This product also has many healing properties that are used in traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda). In the time of Cleopatra, it was added to baths to preserve beauty and youth, which is why coconut oil is still popular among the female population of Southeast Asia and India.

And another interesting oil is shea, extracted from the Shea tree of the same name (Africa). From its fruits, oil is produced, which has been used by local folk healers for centuries.

The result of pressing is a solid composition of non-uniform consistency from cream to white, used in the field of cooking, cosmetology, aromatherapy and medicine.

This is an environmentally friendly product with protective, softening and moisturizing functions. The rich vitamin composition maintains the normal condition of the skin, renews cells and rejuvenates the body, prevents the development of cancerous tumors due to its antioxidant properties and improves microcirculation.

Cosmetology and unrefined oils

The use of vegetable oils in the field of cosmetology began a long time ago, starting with the rapid development of this industry. With the help of such tools, a large number of cosmetic defects and problems are solved. Their uniqueness lies in the versatility of application, with the possibility of selection for any type of facial skin, including the area around the eyes.

  • Heated vegetable oil effectively cleanses the face without overdrying. And creams based on them are suitable for use in the winter, protecting and nourishing the skin.
  • Dry and normal skin masks, where vegetable oils are added, give elasticity, while smoothing wrinkles, cleansing and relieving inflammation.
  • The composition of lip balms also includes oils, making them softer, providing a protective function against the appearance of cracks, viruses and bacteria.
  • For nails, you can make baths with the addition of unrefined vegetable oil, which helps to strengthen the nail plate.
  • There are oils that are very useful for hair, stimulating their growth and eliminating dandruff.
  • Masseurs have been using vegetable oils for their sessions for a very long time, enriching the composition with essential products, which is also used in aromatherapy.

I want to offer you a small list of different oils with the designation of the desired area of ​​\u200b\u200btheir application:

  • Olive, sea buckthorn, macadamia, wheat germ, avocado, cocoa and rosehip oils are designed to improve the quality of dry and aging skin;
  • Peach, castor and avocado oils are suitable for very sensitive and prone to allergic skin reactions;
  • If the skin is prone to inflammation and problematic, it is preferable to use pomace from jojoba, hazelnut, grape seeds, flax, sea buckthorn and mustard;
  • Oily skin is more suitable for sesame (read about) and grape seeds;
  • Another oil obtained from grape seeds is useful for treating lips, which can also be lubricated with jojoba and walnut oils;
  • Castor herbal product, burdock, peach and olive is excellent hair care.

And these are not all the oils that are used in cosmetology. Their popularity is explained, in addition to the mass of useful properties, also by safety - after all, it is almost impossible to harm them. The main thing is to choose the right product based on the problem.

It remains only to start using vegetable oils for the benefit of your health, beauty and mood.

That's all - see you soon on the pages of our blog! I would like to remind you to invite friends to join us on social networks and share with all the new information received.

Mini Tips for Weight Loss

    Reduce portions by a third - that's what will help to build! Short and to the point :)

    Put supplements or stop? When this question arises, it is definitely time to stop eating. This body gives you a signal about imminent saturation, otherwise you would have no doubt.

    If you tend to overeat in the evenings, take a warm shower before dinner. 5-7 minutes, and you already have a completely different mood and attitude to food. Try it - it works.

    No matter how tasty the food is, you will eat it many more times. This is not the last meal of your life! Remind yourself of this when you feel like you can't stop and are convulsively swallowing piece after piece.

    The environment affects us - it's a fact! Avoid conversations like “I lost weight here and couldn’t”, “yes, we’ll still remain fat”, “there should be a lot of a good person.” Well, let there be “many” of them - but what do you have to do with it?

    Remember a simple word: graceful. This is exactly what your portion of unhealthy dishes should be. And then you will also become graceful - it's only a matter of time.

    To reduce the chance of overeating, stick to the 10 Calm Spoons rule. It says: "Eat the first ten spoonfuls very slowly, as slowly as you can."

    Before each opening of the refrigerator door, do 10-20 squats. It can be normal, or it can be with the direction of the feet and knees to the sides. Or on one leg. Or squat and then jump. In a word, be different.

    Learn to catch the moment when the taste of food becomes dull, as if it becomes less tasty. This is the time to stop eating.

    Before you eat, tell yourself: "As we eat, I will lose weight!" A very powerful phrase for reducing appetite and adjusting the composition of food.

    Occasionally have a Big Salad Day. A huge bowl of vegetable salad (or better a bowl!) Should be eaten during the day. The rest of the food - only after an impressive portion of salad.

    A minute of exercise before eating will reduce your appetite better than any special remedy.

    Get in your refrigerator "Shelf for slender" and "Shelf for fat". Which one do you choose?

    To reduce appetite, drink a glass of kefir before each meal.

You may also be interested

Cabbage juice is the most useful life-giving drink that can give our body a lot of necessary and useful substances. About what useful properties of cabbage juice exist, and how to drink it correctly, we will talk in our article. Cabbage is one of the most useful vegetable crops because it has very valuable properties. This product is tasty and nutritious, besides, it is an affordable medicine that everyone can grow in their garden. By eating cabbage, you can eliminate many health problems. Although everyone knows that due to the fiber contained in cabbage, this vegetable is difficult to digest, causing gas formation. To avoid such problems, it is more useful to drink cabbage juice, getting the same beneficial substances contained in the vegetable.

Freshly squeezed cabbage juice contains vitamin C, which increases the body's resistance to infections. Scientists have calculated that in order to satisfy the daily need of our body for vitamin C, you can eat about 200 g of cabbage. In addition, the vegetable contains the vitamin K we need, which is responsible for the full formation of bones, as well as for blood clotting. Cabbage, and accordingly cabbage juice, contains B vitamins and a very rich set of minerals, including iron, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, potassium and other elements.

What is very pleasant for people losing weight, cabbage juice is very low in calories (25 kcal per 100 ml). This is a diet drink that will help get rid of excess weight. Cabbage juice has wound healing and hemostatic properties. It is used externally, for the treatment of burns and wounds, and for oral administration (for the treatment of ulcers). It is effective to use fresh cabbage juice to treat gastritis and ulcers. The effect is provided thanks to the vitamin U which is contained in juice. This vitamin helps cell regeneration in the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines. The juice is used to treat hemorrhoids, colitis and inflammatory processes in the stomach and intestines, as well as bleeding gums.

Cabbage juice is used as an antimicrobial agent that can affect some pathogens of dangerous diseases, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Koch's bacillus and SARS. Cabbage juice is also used to treat bronchitis, in particular, it is able to thin and remove sputum. For such treatment, it is recommended to take juice with honey to enhance the healing effect. Cabbage juice is also used to restore tooth enamel, improve the condition of nails, skin and hair. With diabetes, drinking cabbage juice can prevent the appearance of skin diseases.

Cabbage juice must be introduced into the diet of those who want to lose weight, due to its low calorie content and high biological activity. At the same time, cabbage juice can be satiated very quickly without getting extra calories, besides, it prevents the conversion of carbohydrates into fat deposits. Cabbage juice is able to normalize the work of the intestines, removing bile stagnant in the body, fights constipation and helps to remove harmful substances from the body.

Since the juice contains folic acid, which helps conception and the full development of the fetus, it is useful for expectant mothers to drink it. Vitamins and minerals contained in the juice protect against infections and colds.

When drinking cabbage juice, you should follow the rules. Juice has contraindications and restrictions. The drink is able to dissolve and decompose toxins accumulated in the body, causing strong gas formation in the intestines, so you can drink it no more than three glasses a day. It is worth starting to use, starting with one and a half glasses. For the reasons listed above, cabbage juice is not recommended in the postoperative period, if the operations were performed in the abdominal cavity, and during breastfeeding, with gastritis with high acidity, with kidney diseases and problems with the pancreas.

The world we live in often affects the state of our nervous system, as it is full of various stressful situations, chronic fatigue and systematic tension. However, the nervous system should be constantly monitored and not overstrained. To do this, it is necessary to streamline everyday worries, for which purpose create and adhere to the correct daily routine, if necessary, attend a course of psychotherapy, yoga, auto-training and other events. But the easiest way to relax is a simple cup of herbal tea, fragrant and warm. An excellent natural remedy for calming, which gently affects the nerves, exhausted during the day, is evening tea. Teas that relax the nervous system help to level irritability, nervous exhaustion and relax before going to bed, overcoming insomnia. We will talk about how tea calms the nervous system in our article.

Tea from the collection of fragrant herbs

To prepare this wonderful tea, you should take in equal proportions such plants as St. John's wort, peppermint, chamomile and hawthorn flowers. Grind the ingredients, then Art. l. pour boiling water over the mixture in a cup, and leave for 30 minutes, covered with a lid. Strain the cooled infusion and add a small amount of honey to it. Drink sleep. This tea will easily calm the nerves, but it is recommended to drink it for no more than two months.

Lime tea

To prepare tea, dry linden flowers and lemon balm should be mixed in equal parts, pouring the mixture with a glass of warm water, and boiling for about five minutes. The broth is infused for 15 minutes, filtered, a spoonful of honey is added and taken for tea drinking. If such tea is taken regularly, the nervous system will respond more calmly to various unpleasant stimuli.

Mint tea with motherwort

We mix chamomile and motherwort herb 10 g each, add chopped mint 20 g, lime blossom, lemon balm and dried strawberries. Three tablespoons of the mixture should be poured into 1 liter of boiling water and insisted for up to 12 minutes. You need to drink the infusion during the day, if desired, add a little jam or honey. Such an infusion is intended not to completely suppress the nervous system, but only to calm it gently. Such tea should be drunk for a long time, without the risk of adverse reactions that are harmful to health.

Simple soothing teas

We mix hop cones and valerian roots, 50 g each, then brew a dessert spoon of the mixture with boiling water, leave for 30 minutes, filter. Drink throughout the day in small portions. At night it is better to drink a whole glass of this tea. The tool quickly calms the nerves and helps in the fight against insomnia.

In equal parts, mix peppermint herb and valerian roots, then pour a dessert spoon of this mixture with boiling water, leave for half an hour and filter. We drink this tea in the morning and in the evening for half a glass. To enhance the effect, it is recommended to add a little anise or dill fruit.

Melissa, valerian root and motherwort are taken in equal proportions and brewed in a cup. Then insist and filter. You need to drink tea before eating a dessert spoon.

Drinking half a glass of tea before meals, prepared according to the recipe below, can calm the nerves and improve digestion. To prepare it, place 1 tsp in a half-liter jar. motherwort, hop cones and green tea, pour boiling water, leave for 12 minutes, strain. Add honey to taste.

Sophisticated soothing teas

Mix in equal proportions peppermint, oregano, St. John's wort and chamomile. Then we brew a dessert spoon of the collection in a cup, insist, filter and add honey. Drink this tea in a glass in the morning and before bed.

In equal proportions, mix peppermint, valerian root, hop cones, motherwort and grated rose hips. A tablespoon of the mixture should be brewed in the form of tea, insist and strain. Such a sedative should be drunk throughout the day.

Calming teas for children

To prepare a soothing tea for children, you need to mix chamomile flowers, peppermint and fennel in equal parts. Then pour boiling water over a dessert spoon of the collection and hold in a steam bath for about 20 minutes, strain. This tea is recommended to be given to young children in the evening before bedtime, a teaspoonful, as it can soothe, relax, and normalize a healthy alternation of sleep and wakefulness.

The teas that were described in our article can calm the nervous system and normalize blood pressure. Such daily tea drinking helps to improve sleep and skin condition. Medicinal plants that are part of these teas help eliminate dark circles under the eyes, improve vision, and improve the functioning of the stomach and intestines.

Previously, people could not imagine that a person's breakfast could consist of various crispy balls with dried fruits, cereals and milk. But nowadays such food does not surprise anyone, because such a breakfast is very tasty, and besides, it is easy to prepare. However, such food opens up a lot of controversy and discussion, since it is important for people to know what are the benefits and harms of breakfast cereals for human health. The very concept of dry food appeared in 1863, and James Jackson introduced it. The first food was compressed bran. Even though it was not very tasty, it was a healthy meal. The Kellogg brothers supported the idea of ​​dry food already at the beginning of the twentieth century. At this time, both Americans and Europeans were embraced by the idea of ​​proper and healthy nutrition. At that time, the brothers produced breakfast cereals made from soaked corn kernels passed through rollers. These breakfasts were more like raw, torn to pieces dough. They were helped by an accident in which this body was placed on a hot baking sheet and forgotten about it. Thus, the first dry breakfasts were obtained. This idea was taken up by many companies, and the cereal was mixed with nuts. Fruits and other products.

What are the benefits of breakfast cereals?

In the last twenty years, ordinary breakfasts, which consisted of sandwiches and cereals, began to be replaced by dry ones. The main advantage of dry food is, first of all, time saving, which is very important in our time. A full and proper breakfast in our time, few can afford. That is why the main benefit of breakfast cereals is their simple and quick preparation. These breakfasts are easy to prepare. All you have to do is pour the cereal with milk. In addition, milk can be replaced with yogurt or kefir.

During the production of dry breakfasts, all the useful substances of cereals are preserved. For example, corn flakes are saturated with vitamins A and E, while rice flakes contain amino acids that are important for our body. Oatmeal contains phosphorus and magnesium. But, unfortunately, not all breakfasts are good for the human body, some of them can be harmful.

Dry breakfasts include snacks, muesli, and cereals. Snacks are balls and pillows of various sizes made from rice, corn, barley, oats and rye. These cereals are steamed under high pressure in order to preserve the maximum amount of useful trace elements and vitamins. However, with additional heat treatment, such as roasting, the product loses its benefits. When nuts, honey, fruits, chocolate are added to flakes, muesli is obtained. For the production of snacks, ground flakes, as well as various additions to them, are overcooked. More often, snacks are loved by children, so they are produced in the form of different figures. Some manufacturers add various fillings to snacks, including chocolate. However, after adding sugar and various additives to breakfasts, it will no longer be very useful. In this regard, in order to maintain health and figure, it is better to choose raw cereals or muesli with fruits and honey.

Why dry breakfasts are harmful

Snacks are the most harmful product, since more useful substances are destroyed during their preparation. One serving of such breakfasts contains only about two grams of fiber, while our body needs up to 30 grams of dietary fiber per day. It is more useful to eat raw flakes that have not undergone heat treatment. This product will fill the body with the necessary amount of fiber. Snacks are harmful due to frying, as they become high in calories and fatty.

It is necessary to take into account the high calorie content of dry breakfasts. For example, the calorie content of pillows with filling is about 400 calories, and chocolate balls - 380 calories. Cakes and sweets have a similar calorie content, and this is not healthy. Various additives that are part of dry breakfasts cause more harm. That is why buy raw cereal for children, without various additives. Add honey, nuts, or dried fruits to your breakfast cereal yourself and avoid foods that include sugar substitutes.

Wheat, rice and corn flakes are very easy to digest because they contain simple carbohydrates. This fills the body with energy and provides nutrition to the brain, but excessive consumption of these carbohydrates leads to excess weight.

Dry breakfasts that have undergone heat treatment are very harmful. During the cooking process, the fat or oil used in the cooking process can lead to cardiovascular problems and high cholesterol levels. The composition of breakfasts often includes flavor enhancers, baking powder and flavorings. Avoid purchasing products with such additives.

A child can be given cereal from the age of six, not earlier, since coarse fibers are difficult to digest by the children's intestines.

The pain that people can periodically feel for various reasons can destroy all the plans for the day, spoil their mood and worsen the quality of life. Pain can be of a different nature, but in order to get rid of it, people resort to the use of painkillers. However, at the same time, few people think that using an anesthetic, we can harm our health, since each drug has side effects that can manifest themselves in a separate organism. However, not everyone knows that some products are able to reduce or relieve pain, while quite effectively and without exposing the body to additional risk. Of course, with the appearance of any pain, it is necessary to determine what it is associated with. Pain is a kind of signal from the body, indicating that it has problems. Therefore, in no case can one ignore pain, and sometimes it is impossible to do this, because it reminds of itself, sometimes at the most inopportune moment. In our article, we will talk about what products can relieve pain, or reduce its manifestation at least for a while.

People who have chronic diseases that periodically manifest themselves as pain can make up some kind of anti-pain diet to alleviate their condition. So, here are the products that can soothe the pain:

Turmeric and ginger. Ginger is a proven remedy for many diseases that can effectively deal with pain. For example, in oriental medicine, this plant is used to reduce toothache. To this end, you need to prepare a decoction of ginger and rinse the mouth with it. Pain resulting from exercise and due to intestinal disorders and ulcers can be soothed with ginger and turmeric. In addition, these plants have a positive effect on kidney health.

Parsley. This green contains essential oils that can stimulate blood circulation in the human body, including the blood supply to internal organs. The use of parsley in the body increases the adaptive capacity, which accelerates healing.

Chilli. This is another pain reliever. In the course of the studies, it was found that red pepper is able to increase the pain threshold of a person. The molecules of this product activate the immune defense in the body and produce endorphins that work as an anesthetic. Traditionally, this pepper is included in the menu of peoples living in difficult natural conditions and engaged in hard physical labor.

bitter chocolate. As mentioned above, the hormone endorphin, which is also called the "hormone of happiness", is a natural pain reliever. The production of this natural pain reliever is stimulated by the consumption of chocolate. Everyone knows the peculiarity of chocolate to give pleasure, however, this product not only gives mood, but is able to relieve pain.

Whole grain products. According to some experts, the ability of products made from whole grains to relieve pain is excessively high. These products contain a lot of magnesium, and this allows you to relieve muscle pain. In addition, these products help relieve headaches, as they protect the body from dehydration.

Mustard. Mustard is able to reduce headaches that arose from overwork or other causes. It is enough to eat a piece of bread spread with fresh mustard.

Cherry. It is very easy to eliminate a headache by eating a few ripe cherries.

Garlic. This is another stinging product that can relieve pain, in addition, this applies to pain resulting from various inflammations.

Citrus. These fruits have painkillers, just like other foods containing vitamin C. Citrus fruits relieve pain from various causes. In addition, these fruits act as a general tonic. Therefore, it is the first product to be transferred to patients in the hospital.

Cinnamon. Another important remedy used in the fight against various inflammations and pains. Cinnamon reduces the negative effects of uric acid, the high content of which can trigger the development of many diseases, including arthritis.

Everyone knows about the benefits of vegetable oils today, and we have plenty to choose from: the assortment is so rich that buyers of the former, “Soviet” times could not even imagine that there are so many types and varieties of vegetable oils in the world, and surprisingly tasty and healthy .

Vegetable oil is necessary for a person for good nutrition, as it contains polyunsaturated fatty acids that protect our cells from negative influences and destruction, as well as many vitamins and nutrients.

And how to choose from all this abundance the oil that will really benefit?

First of all, any oils are used to be divided into refined and unrefined. And if earlier, several decades ago, unrefined oil was considered almost a product for the poor, today the situation has changed dramatically, and it is unrefined oils that are considered the best and healing, and about refined oil they say that there is nothing useful left in it. Where is the truth?

The usefulness of vegetable oil depends mainly on its composition, the ratio of fats and acids, and these parameters remain practically unchanged even after refining. So, the benefits of oil should not be judged from this point of view. Nevertheless, the stages of refining are also different, and here you need to learn how to understand.

Why is oil refined?

Why refine the oil if it does not affect its composition? First of all, this is done in order to make it neutral, almost tasteless. This may seem completely unnecessary, but you should not generalize too much - after all, oil in cooking is used to prepare many dishes, and they are completely different, both in composition and in the method of preparation. Dressing salads and some snacks is better with unrefined oil, since these dishes are not cooked, besides, the oil will add extra flavor to the salad.

If vegetable oil is used for cooking hot dishes, for frying or baking food, then unrefined oil can do more harm than good - due to the formation of smoke, burning, foam, unpleasant odor and taste. Unrefined oil, when overcooked, can also contribute to the formation of certain harmful substances in food, especially at high temperatures.

Oil refining methods

Vegetable oil in modern industry is refined in two ways: physical and chemical. The physical method usually involves the use of adsorbents, and the chemical method involves the use of alkalis. Most often, the chemical method is used, because it is simpler, better worked out, and the quality of the resulting product is also easier to control.

Manufacturers of oil refined in this way assure that consumers have nothing to fear, and no harmful impurities enter the composition of the final product, because the safest alkalis allowed for food processing are used in production. In addition, the oil is well washed, and even traces of chemicals do not remain in it. I really want to believe that this is actually the case ...

What is the difference between refined and unrefined oils?

Refined oil differs from unrefined oil not only in taste, or rather, in its absence, but also in that it does not smoke and does not form foam when cooking hot dishes.

Oil frying

At the very least, in order for the refined oil to start smoking, the pan must be fairly hot. The temperature at which one or another oil begins to smoke is considered the smoke point, and it must be said that it is different for different oils.

In the process of frying, if the oil smokes and burns, carcinogens are formed, and everyone has heard about their harm. For example, acrolein, the simplest aldehyde, formed in fumes over a hot frying pan, has a toxic effect on the mucous membranes of the eyes and irritates the respiratory tract, which leads to the development of various inflammatory diseases.

If a cook constantly breathes acrolein fumes when preparing dishes, then in the end he will acquire a whole bunch of chronic diseases, besides, the quality of the prepared dishes will be far from the best. So for frying, you need to use only refined oil, and do not overheat the pan.

Other harmful substances, such as fatty acid polymers and free radicals, are also formed at the smoking point of oils, and they remain in the composition of cooked dishes. If you often eat such dishes, then this can lead to chronic health problems, including the development of oncology.

The brown skin on the fried potatoes we love so much contains acrylamide, a substance that also has carcinogenic properties and can even destroy DNA. Most of the acrylamide is formed if you deep-fry potatoes for a long time - for example, as they do at McDonald's.


What is not contained in overcooked meat or fish: heterocyclic amines are formed inside the piece, which can cause heart disease, and in burnt roast - polycyclic carcinogens with a large amount of carbon. Most often this happens if the oil is not used for the first time, and the pan is very hot.

The next carcinogens that are often formed during frying are peroxides, and most of them are formed when frying with sunflower oil, which is so common in Central Russia. Therefore, it is best to use olive oil for frying - it practically does not form carcinogens. No wonder the Mediterranean diet, in which the main vegetable oil is traditionally olive, is considered the most beneficial for health.

Based on the above, it is not difficult to understand that oil, both refined and unrefined, must be used correctly - and then problems with nutrition and health will not arise.

Which oil is healthier: refined or unrefined?

And yet, you should know that it is unrefined vegetable oils that are most useful, obtained by cold pressing at low temperatures - not higher than 45 ° C. These oils have a rich color, a characteristic smell for each type and a real, natural taste.

It is difficult to overestimate the benefits of using such oil, but some rules must be remembered.

You can not store "live" oil in heat, in the light and in the open air - so it will quickly lose all its beneficial properties, become cloudy, become bitter and tasteless, and only harm the body.

Unrefined oil generally has a short shelf life - and, perhaps, this is its main drawback, so it is better to store it in the refrigerator, in a glass bottle, and not use it after the expiration date.

Refined oils are the most commonly found in our retailers and can last much longer. However, no matter how manufacturers assure us, many refined oils contain almost no vitamins, and few useful substances; this is especially true for hot processed oils up to 200°C. Perhaps that's why some refined oil manufacturers tell consumers that it can be stored in the light and it won't go bad—because there's almost nothing to go bad.

So, refined oil should be used only for frying and baking foods, and add unrefined oil to salads, vinaigrettes, snacks and seasonings - this way you get all the best that is in vegetable oil from nature.

Gataulina Galina
for women's magazine website

When using and reprinting the material, an active link to the women's online magazine is required

Shea butter (karite) is extracted from the fruits of the shea tree, called the African miracle. It is widely used in cooking, but in Russia it is better known as a cosmetic product for hair, face and body skin care.

When buying a product, many face the problem of choosing between refined and unrefined shea butter. The difference in price between the two types is rather big, so let's figure out if it's worth overpaying.

Shea butter refined and unrefined: the difference between them

Shea Butter Grade Classification

  • A is unrefined shea butter. Natural product obtained with water. The color is from light beige to bright yellow, the smell is slightly nutty.
  • B - refined, deodorized. White (may be yellowish), odorless.
  • C is the product obtained with the help of a solvent. White, odorless.
  • D - a product containing impurities in a small amount.
  • C - a product with a high content of impurities. It is rarely used in cosmetics.

The first three classes of shea are commercial, i.e. approved for use in cosmetology and pharmacology. Most often, on the shelves of our stores and in pharmacies, shea butter of class A and B is found.

What is the difference between the two main types of product?

Unrefined shea butter is not subjected to any heat treatment upon receipt, which allows it to retain all the useful components of the raw material. The lion's share (about 80%) of its composition falls on triglycerides formed by fatty acids (palmitic, linoleic, stearic, etc.). Slightly less than 20% are unsaponifiable fats, represented mainly by caristerols. It is their joint work with triglycerides that determines the benefits of the product.

In addition, unrefined shea butter (shea butter) contains only 1% vitamin E (for example, it contains many times more). The color of a natural product can vary from light beige to rich yellow, the smell of a quality product is oily-nutty, in no case rancid.

What happens when shea butter is refined? During the refining process, any vegetable oil loses most of its vitamins and minerals. Shea butter after cleaning loses such richness as 1% tocopherol, but triglycerides and caristerols remain almost intact in the composition of the product. Aroma, like that, is absent.

The use of unrefined shea butter

Unrefined shea butter is used for burns, bruises, participates in the process of skin regeneration, moisturizes and nourishes. It is used both in pure form and in combination with other care products. The fair sex use the product to moisturize dry skin.

Shea butter is very good to use in winter. It perfectly moisturizes and nourishes chapped lips in the cold, the skin of the hands.

Shea butter will also help to cope with the rough skin of the heels and elbows. Daily use will significantly improve the condition of these problem areas.

In addition, the oil is part of various anti-inflammatory ointments and lotions needed to treat skin diseases, such as acne, eczema, age spots, scars, rosacea, etc. It perfectly heals and disinfects the skin.

No less useful is shea butter for hair. Application will help solve problems such as hair loss, dullness and split ends. It is enough to apply the product several times a week to the roots of the hair and along the entire length so that your curls will thank you with incredible shine and strength.

Using Refined Shea Butter

Refined shea butter has a longer shelf life than unrefined, making it more practical to use. In addition, despite the cleaning process, it does not lose such properties as moisturizing and nourishing. Therefore, many women use refined shea butter as part of homemade face and body masks, as well as hair.

Which Shea Butter is Better: Refined or Unrefined?

So how does refined shea butter differ from unrefined, other than color and lack of flavor? That's right, it doesn't contain that 1% vitamin E. Does that make it worse? Perhaps, but not critical. In the end, it can be enriched with vitamin E, bought at the nearest pharmacy for a penny. So is it worth paying more?



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