The Samosa is not the villain: What you don't know about reused oil

Produced by: Manoj Kumar

Oil Overload

It’s not the samosa—it’s what it’s fried in. Reused oil turns toxic fast, creating trans fats and acrylamides that inflame arteries, wreck digestion, and may even raise cancer risk.

Calorie Mirage

A samosa may clock in at 362 kcal, but it’s not about the number—it’s the type. Calories from reheated oil and refined carbs hit your system like a sugar bomb, not a nutrient boost.

Deep-Fried Deception

One vada pav + one chai = 500+ calories. That’s 25% of your daily limit, but with barely any fiber, protein, or satiety. You'll be hungry again—and more likely to binge later.

The Reheat Trap

Frying oil repeatedly transforms it into a metabolic landmine. Each reheat amplifies toxins that disrupt hormones, gut health, and heart function—no matter how crispy the outcome.

Snack Chemistry

Reheating oil creates AGEs—dangerous molecules linked to diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and kidney damage. Your crunchy kachori might be serving more than just nostalgia.

Nutrient Void

That 300-calorie jalebi duo? Nearly pure sugar and oil. Zero fiber, zero satiety, zero benefit—just a quick energy spike followed by a crash and craving.

Not All Calories Equal

300 calories from almonds build your body. 300 from a greasy pakora? It inflames it. Same energy, radically different biological impact.

Awareness, Not Alarm

The health ministry’s nutrition boards aren’t targeting Indian snacks—they’re asking us to look beyond the crunch and sweetness and question how and what we’re frying.

Smart Indulgence

Enjoy your samosa—but fry it fresh, use quality oil, and make it part of a nutrient-rich day. It’s not about canceling culture—it’s about cleaning up the kitchen.