Dr. Anthony Raju, identified as an Advocate of the Supreme Court and Human Rights Defender, issuing advice about avoiding certain cooking oils due to heart risks. Instead, the guidance you mentioned appears to align more closely with recent commentary from cardiologists such as Dr. Amit Bhushan Sharma or Dr. Alok Chopra.

For instance, a Hindustan Times article dated September 10, 2025 reports that Dr. Amit Bhushan Sharma, Director and Unit Head — Cardiology at Paras Health, cautions against five widely used cooking oils that may elevate heart disease risk:

1. Hydrogenated oils (vanaspati/dalda) – high in trans fats linked to elevated LDL (bad cholesterol) and lower HDL (good cholesterol).

2. Palm oil – rich in saturated fats that increase LDL and contribute to artery-clogging.

3. Refined vegetable oils (sunflower, soybean, corn) – lose nutrients during processing and are high in omega-6, promoting inflammation.

4. Cottonseed oil – also high in saturated fats and omega-6, and may contain trace natural toxins like gossypol.

5. Coconut oil (if overused) – extremely high in saturated fat (~90%), which—even if healthy in moderation—can raise LDL when consumed excessively. 

He advises instead using oils such as mustard, groundnut, rice bran, and certain types of olive oil, in moderation and rotated, since they're richer in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants that help heart health .

Nuanced Perspectives from Other Experts

Refined Oils and Inflammation:

Dr. Alok Chopra has shared warnings (e.g., via Instagram posts, reported in Times of India) about refined seed oils like sunflower, soybean, and canola. These oils are often industrially processed and oxidized, increasing LDL cholesterol, promoting chronic inflammation, and contributing to obesity and diabetes—all of which elevate the risk of heart attack and stroke. Healthier swaps include cold-pressed oils, rotating oils, avoiding oil reuse, and watching smoke points .

Scientific Consensus on Seed Oils:

On the other hand, reputable health authorities such as Harvard Health and Johns Hopkins present a more balanced view. They note that seed oils (canola, soybean, sunflower, etc.) are major sources of unsaturated fats, which are generally beneficial for heart health when used appropriately. These oils contain omega-6 fatty acids and compounds like linoleic acid, which have been linked to lower risks of heart disease, strokes, and diabetes in certain studies. They stress moderation, proper cooking methods, and balancing with omega-3s rather than outright avoidant 

Source / Expert Oils Warned Against (Heart Risk) Reason / Caveat Recommended Alternatives / Advice

Dr. Amit Bhushan Sharma Hydrogenated oils, palm oil, refined veg oils, cottonseed, excess coconut oil Trans fats, saturated fats, inflammation, toxins Mustard, groundnut, rice bran, good-quality olive oil (moderation)

Dr. Alok Chopra Refined seed oils (sunflower, soybean, canola, corn) Industrial processing, oxidation, LDL ↑, inflammation ↑ Cold-pressed oils, rotate oils, watch smoke point, avoid reuse

Harvard / Johns Hopkins — Seed oils are sources of healthy unsaturated fats; risk depends on usage Use them wisely, balance fats, avoid overheating/reuse 

My Thoughts

It's understandable to feel concerned—kitchens are full of conflicting advice! The key is context and moderation:

Avoid heavily processed oils like hydrogenated (vanaspati/dalda) or palm oil due to their saturated/trans-fat content.

Use seed oils like sunflower or soybean in moderation, ideally not overheated repeatedly, and balanced with omega-3-rich foods.

Prefer cold-pressed, minimally processed oils (e.g., mustard, rice bran, good-quality olive oil) where suitable.

Rotate your cooking oils and pay attention to each oil’s smoke point to minimize harmful compounds

“Cardiologist warns: Avoid hydrogenated (vanaspati), palm, refined veg oils (sunflower, soybean, corn), cottonseed, and excess coconut oil—they raise bad fats, inflammation, and heart-disease risk. Instead, go for cold-pressed options and rotate oils wisely for a healthier heart.

#HeartSmartCooking” #humanrightscommission #humanrightscouncilofindia #humanrightscommissiondelhi