Reusing Cooking Oil: A Recipe for Brain Damage?

A recent animal study shows that the damage humans face when reusing the same frying oil could be significant. "To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to report on long-term damage. Supplements of repeatedly fried oils increase nerve degeneration," shares Professor Kathiresan Selvam, a lecturer at Tamil Nadu University in India, who led the research.

The animals in the study were divided into five groups; some received standard food—with the addition of 0.1 ml of unheated sesame or sunflower oil. The other half received sesame or sunflower oil that was reheated continuously for 30 days. These reheated oils were used to assess the effects of repeated frying with the same oil.

The animals consuming reheated oil showed increased liver inflammation. They also suffered damage to the colon and an elevated level of bacteria in their bodies. Researchers noted high levels of nerve degeneration among those consuming reheated oil.

"The metabolism of fats in the liver changed significantly. The transport of essential omega-3 fatty acid to the brain reduced, leading to noticeable nerve degeneration," the study states.

The study's results are unequivocal—you must not reheat oil due to the health risks it can pose to you. Regardless, it's clear that a diet rich in oils is less healthy. Opting for a natural and nutritious diet is far more beneficial for your body. If you decide to eat fried foods, pay attention to oil use; allowing it to cool and then frying again can turn it dangerous.