Our Kitchen: Chemical-Free Kitchen

Healthy Kitchen, Chemical-Free Kitchen

We should consume pure food and avoid adulteration. In this article, we’ll discuss items commonly used in our kitchen and things we consume daily. In other words, we will explore what we are currently eating and what we should be eating.

The Current State of Food

Modern agriculture relies heavily on chemicals. Moreover, adulteration in food products has also become widespread. If we explore the reasons behind this, we find that harmful practices are adopted to increase profits, boost production, preserve products, or enhance their appearance. As consumers, when we ingest such food, it poses serious long-term health risks.

So, let’s take a closer look at our kitchen and reflect—are we truly committed to purity? Do we genuinely value our health?

Edible Oil

Let’s start with edible oils. Today, refined oils are widely used. This is due to two main reasons:

1. They are cheaper than conventional oils.

2. Aggressive marketing has led people to believe that these oils are fat-free and cholesterol-free.

How Refined Oil is Made

Refineries use cottonseed, soybean, sunflower, rice bran, etc., to extract oil. The oil extracted is of two types:

1. Low-quality oil seeds (e.g., cottonseed) that we cannot consume directly.

2. Oils we wouldn’t prefer for direct consumption (e.g., soybean, sunflower, rice bran).

To make them edible, they undergo a chemical refining process, which strips the oil of its natural fats, fragrance, color, and flavor. Harmful chemicals and caustic soda are used, and the oil is repeatedly heated to very high temperatures.

Question to Ponder:
How can an oil loaded with harmful chemicals, repeatedly heated, and stripped of all natural qualities be beneficial for us?

Traditional (Cold-Pressed) Oils

In contrast, traditional cold-pressed oils (e.g., groundnut, sesame, coconut, mustard, castor) are derived naturally without chemicals. Since we can eat these oilseeds directly, their oil is also healthy.

Why Choose Cold-Pressed Oils?

• Our body naturally produces oil; traditional oils help preserve this balance.

• 40–50 years ago, refined oils were rare—people used locally pressed oils and stayed healthier.

• If possible, grow oilseeds and extract oil at home (just like grinding wheat into flour).

Tip: If you can’t produce your own oil, buy naturally filtered, unrefined oil from trustworthy sources.

Chilies (Chili Powder) and Spices

A kitchen feels incomplete without spices. Always buy from trusted local sellers who:

• Prioritize purity and quality.

• Process raw materials themselves.

Avoid big brands—they often use inferior raw materials and adulteration for higher profits.

Jaggery

Nature provides natural sweeteners (fruits, sugarcane) that don’t harm our bodies. However, processed sugar disrupts our system, leading to diabetes.

Key Differences:

• Jaggery: Thick, brown, minimally processed.

• Sugar: Heavily refined, stripped of nutrients, chemically treated.

Action Step: Gradually reduce sugar and switch to traditional jaggery from local producers.

Rice

Polished Rice vs. Unpolished Rice:

• Polished Rice: Outer bran (nutrient-rich layer) removed, steamed, and made shiny.

• Unpolished Rice: Retains natural nutrients, better for health.

Tip: Buy unpolished rice from local farmers (e.g., Sathal, Dholka, Bavla).

Salt

Two main types:

1. Sea Salt (White Salt): Processed, linked to thyroid issues.

2. Rock Salt (Pink/Black Salt): Naturally edible, no chemicals, aids digestion.

Why Rock Salt?

• Animals are fed rock salt to prevent constipation—proving its benefits.

• More natural and healthier than refined sea salt.

Vegetables

• Prioritize pesticide-free vegetables.

• Grow your own or collaborate with local organic farmers.

• Use natural fertilizers and organic remedies.

Final Thoughts

Nature provides everything we need in a simple, accessible form. By choosing natural, chemical-free foods, we protect our health and support local economies.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Use cold-pressed oils (groundnut, sesame, coconut).
✅ Switch to jaggery instead of sugar.
✅ Choose unpolished rice over polished rice.
✅ Prefer rock salt over processed sea salt.
✅ Buy organic, locally grown vegetables.

Let’s return to natural eating—our ancestors were healthier because they avoided over-processed foods.

Founder

Dr. Mohammadali Abbasbhai Masi (M.Com., Ph.D.)
Director, Aala Edible Oil Mill (Mini Oil Mill)
📞 Mobile: 9725846841