Cooking oils fall into two broad categories: unrefined and refined. The term “refined” is misleading and should be more accurately described as “disintegrated.” This misnomer hides the destructive process that refining entails, which I believe is the root cause of many health issues.
The Refining Process: Degumming, Bleaching, and Deodorization
Refining oils involves three main steps:
- Degumming
- Bleaching
- Deodorization
These steps purportedly remove impurities, but in reality, they strip away essential nutrients. The primary aim of refining is to extend the shelf life of oils. However, this process involves heating oils to temperatures between 240 to 260 degrees Celsius, far exceeding the smoke points of most oils, resulting in their transformation into carcinogenic substances.
