By Akshay Modi, VP, Olive Oil Association of India
Edible oils are under constant scrutiny and criticism for posing potential threat to health. While a significant number of the population is opting for a no-fat diet, health experts are voicing their concerns on fat-free diet. Nutritionists are of opinion that fat free diet does not fit into the mechanism of body as majority of human anatomy is made of fats such as cell tissues, brain. Brain needs fat to perform its neurological deliverables and in absence of fat in the body, the mechanism acts hostile.
While crop based edible oils are genetically twisted and can trigger the body’s immune system to react adversely, fruit and seed based oils can bring much respite to all the health worries.
Olive Oil Atlas in India
With an array of benefits towards health, this small pickled flavour fruit is has become an integral part of healthy gourmet in no time. Leading edible oil brands have understood the need to offer healthy edible oil option to the health conscious cluster in the country, hence the rise of olive oil industry. Over last 5 years the premium quality blended oil market has grown at 15% CAGR. Healthy edible oil market worth Rs. 2,000cr, with annual per capita consumption of 16kg and the growing awareness on lifestyle diseases the industry is expecting a boom in the coming years.
Olive & Health
In the era of safe food and healthy diet, olive oil is a boon. With an assortment of health benefits olive oils are a great edible options. What makes them stand out in the market are –
- Monounsaturated Fat: Reduces the risk for heart diseases
- Omega 9: keeps the brain healthy by producing good cholesterol keeps the skin radiant.
- Antioxidants: Extra virgin olive oil is loaded with antioxidants, some of which have powerful organic effects.
- Nutrients: Olive oil contains nutrients that can fight inflammation. This includes oleic acid, as well as the antioxidant oleocanthal.
- Helps in reducing risk of cancer
- Helps in reducing weight
This category, which started at 3,000 tonnes a few years ago, stands at 12,730 tons today. With a growth rate between 15-20% annually, the category is surely catching onto the Indian masses, however, the increased import duty levied on the procurement of raw material has affected the cost bracket and to promote this healthy oil government must create conducive conditions for the industry to thrive.
