Overview of Traditional Diwali Sweets and Their Health Impact
Diwali, the festival of lights, is synonymous with grand celebrations and irresistible sweets in Indian households. Traditional Diwali desserts—like ladoos, halwa, barfi, and gulab jamun—are usually prepared using generous amounts of ghee and sugar, lending them their rich flavor and distinctive aroma. However, the abundance of saturated fats and excess calories in these recipes can pose health risks, especially for those concerned about heart health or managing weight and cholesterol levels.
As more people become health-conscious, there’s a rising demand for lighter, heart-friendly alternatives without compromising festive joy or authentic Indian taste. Choosing the right edible oil for Diwali sweets has thus become an important part of modern, health-forward Indian cooking.
Why Switch to Refined Soybean Oil for Diwali Sweets?
Heart Health and Nutritional Benefits
Refined soybean oil is widely recognized as one of the best edible oils for health-conscious families, especially for Indian cooking. Unlike ghee, which is high in saturated fats, refined soybean oil is low in saturated fats and rich in polyunsaturated fats (PUFA) and monounsaturated fats (MUFA) that help maintain cholesterol levels. These healthy fats, especially omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, are scientifically linked to improved cardiovascular health and lower risk of heart disease.
- Rich in Vitamin E: Acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting cells from damage.
- Balanced Fatty Acids: Contains both omega-6 (linoleic acid) and omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid).
- Plant-Based: Completely vegetarian, suitable for vegan and flexitarian diets.
- Digestive Friendliness: Gentle on the gut, easy to digest, and suitable for children and adults alike.
Switching from ghee to refined soybean oil in festive recipes can significantly reduce saturated fat content, making sweets lighter and friendlier for those with heart or digestive concerns.
The Best Cooking Oil for Heart Health
Leading cardiologists and nutritionists in India recommend incorporating oils high in unsaturated fats for day-to-day and festive cooking. Soybean oil possesses a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it ideal for all types of Indian sweets that require sautéing, roasting, or deep frying.
- Supports Healthy Cholesterol: Helps reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol while maintaining or improving “good” HDL cholesterol.
- High Heat Tolerance: Stable at high temperatures, perfect for frying and roasting.
- Affordable and Accessible: Easily available and cost-effective for small or large households.
Adapting Classic Diwali Sweets with Refined Soybean Oil
Ladoo (Laddu) with Refined Soybean Oil
Ingredients
- 2 cups besan (gram flour)
- ½ cup refined soybean oil
- 1 cup powdered jaggery or sugar
- Cardamom powder
- Chopped cashews and raisins
Instructions:
- Heat refined soybean oil in a non-stick pan on medium flame.
- Add besan and roast until it turns golden and aromatic.
- Add powdered jaggery/sugar and mix well.
- Sprinkle cardamom powder and stir.
- While warm, shape into balls and garnish with nuts.
Tip: Refined soybean oil gives a moist, non-greasy texture and a lighter taste profile, letting the flavor of besan and cardamom shine.
Halwa Using Refined Soybean Oil
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour or semolina
- ½ cup refined soybean oil
- ¾ cup jaggery or sugar
- 2 cups water/milk
- Chopped almonds, cashews, raisins
Instructions:
- Heat refined soybean oil in a kadhai, and add flour or semolina.
- Roast until golden.
- Add water or milk slowly, stirring to avoid lumps.
- Mix in the sweetener and dry fruits, stirring till thick.
- Serve warm, garnished with nuts.
Tip: The high smoke point of refined soybean oil prevents burning, giving halwa a smooth, glossy finish.
Barfi with Refined Soybean Oil
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated coconut or almond meal
- ½ cup refined soybean oil
- 1 cup condensed milk
- ½ tsp cardamom powder
Instructions:
- Heat refined soybean oil, add coconut/almond meal, sauté for 2 min.
- Add condensed milk, cook till a soft dough forms.
- Spread mixture onto a greased tray, let cool, cut into squares.
Tip: The subtle, neutral character of refined soybean oil complements the richness of coconut/almond, offering a non-overpowering base for delicate sweets.
Taste and Texture Tips When Using Refined Soybean Oil
- Lighter Sweets: Refined soybean oil absorbs less compared to some other oils and ghee, resulting in sweets that are less oily but retain authentic flavor.
- Moisture Retention: Ideal for sweets that must stay soft, moist, and melt-in-the-mouth.
- No “Aftertaste”: Its neutral taste makes it excellent for traditional recipes that rely on spices and nuts to deliver flavor.
Pro Cooking Tip: Always heat refined soybean oil well before adding flour or grains for roasting. This avoids stickiness and gives a rich, golden color.
Why Choose Ajanta Soya Refined Soybean Oil?
Ajanta Soya’s refined soybean oil stands out because of its purity, high-quality sourcing, and gentle refining process—all contributing to a light, heart-healthy base for daily and festive cooking. Made with strict quality standards, it’s perfect for health-conscious Indian families.
Check Ajanta Soya’s shop for all edible oils, including the purest Kachi Ghani Mustard Oil , another heart-friendly choice for Indian cooking.
Summary: The Best Choice for Healthy Diwali Celebrations
Shifting from ghee to refined soybean oil allows one to enjoy all the nostalgia and flavor of Diwali sweets—with modern health benefits. It emerges as a proven best cooking oil for the heart, especially for those who love traditional Indian food but want to keep their health in focus.
Reimagine your festive table with tasty, nutritious sweets, and introduce friends and family to a more wholesome and heart-protective tradition this Diwali.
Summary
Ready to make your Diwali sweets lighter and healthier? Try premium refined soybean oil from Ajanta Soya today. If you love bold flavors, explore our Kachi Ghani Mustard Oil for authentic North Indian cooking. Celebrate Diwali with wellness and taste—start your health-forward festival journey now!
Frequently Asked Questions
The best cooking oil for heart health is one that is low in saturated fats and high in unsaturated fats, such as refined soybean oil. Medical experts recommend using refined soybean oil because it helps lower bad cholesterol and supports cardiovascular well-being without sacrificing traditional taste in Indian sweets.
Yes, refined soybean oil is often considered the best edible oil for health due to its balanced fatty acid profile, rich vitamin E content, and neutral flavor. It supports healthy cholesterol levels and offers a heart-friendly alternative for everyday and festival cooking.
Refined soybean oil is ideal for Indian cooking because of its high smoke point, excellent stability at heat, and neutral flavor that lets the natural taste of spices and ingredients shine. It’s perfect for sweet and savory recipes found in Indian cuisine.
Refined soybean oil is lower in saturated fat compared to ghee, making sweets lighter and heart-healthier. The texture and flavor remain authentic, and there’s no heavy aftertaste, making it a great option for traditional Diwali sweets.
Ajanta Soya is a leading refined oil manufacturer in India, offering high-quality refined soybean oil and other edible oils including their popular Kachi Ghani Mustard Oil.