Should you switch to avocado oil from refined vegetable oils? Dr Pankaj Sharma, the Director of the Department of Robotics, Bariatric, Laparoscopic and General Surgery at Fortis Hospital, recently told
the Hindustan Times about the multiple benefits of avocado oil. According to Sharma, avocado oil can improve cholesterol balance, blood sugar levels, and gut health.
Has a high smoke point
Dr Sharma claims that the low smoke point of refined vegetable oils is one of their main disadvantages. They quickly oxidise when hot, producing dangerous free radicals that can injure cells and increase long-term health concerns.
“Avocado oil, on the other hand, has a high smoke point (up to 270°C), making it suitable for Indian cooking methods like sauteing, roasting, and shallow frying,” he explains.
Sharma added that chronic exposure to oxidised oils “directly impacts fatty liver and insulin resistance”.
Improves cholesterol balance
The surgeon notes that most vegetable oils are rich in omega-6 fatty acids, which can cause chronic inflammation. Avocado oil, however, is a better-balanced option for regular cooking because it is high in monounsaturated fats.
According to Dr Sharma, “These fats help improve cholesterol balance by lowering LDL (bad cholesterol) while supporting HDL (good cholesterol). For bariatric and post-bariatric patients, heart-healthy fats are essential – not fat avoidance.”
Maintains blood sugar levels
The surgeon notes that despite avocado oil’s high calorie content, it promotes improved satiety and stabilises blood sugar levels.
“Unlike refined vegetable oils, it does not spike insulin levels, making it beneficial for people with obesity, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome,” Dr Sharma points out. He emphasises that avocado oil supports metabolic efficiency.
Strengthens gut health
According to Dr Sharma, avocado oil helps the body break down lipids more effectively and eventually improves gut health since it is mild on the digestive system and promotes good bile flow.
Dr Sharma highlights that avocado oil reduces “fat accumulation in the liver”. “A healthier gut and liver mean better surgical outcomes and long-term weight maintenance,” he adds.
Dr Sharma recommends switching to avocado oil. Avocado oil is more in line with the tenets of metabolic and bariatric care, from enhancing heart health to promoting weight loss and lowering inflammation,
