Hyderabad: 02^nd July, 2026: GEF India, in association with the Indian Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (IAPEN India) Hyderabad Chapter, hosted a Nutrition Meet on the theme “Nutritional Insights and Everyday Value of Rice Bran Oil“, bringing together nutritionists, dietitians, healthcare professionals and industry experts to discuss the importance of evidence-based nutrition and the role of healthy cooking oils in preventive healthcare. The session was led by renowned Consultant Nutritionist Dr. Matheen Asrar, who shared scientific insights on dietary fats, everyday nutrition and practical approaches to making healthier food choices.

The session focused on the growing burden of non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity, highlighting the importance of preventive nutrition in improving long term health outcomes. Experts emphasised that while cooking oil is a staple ingredient in almost every Indian household, consumers often make decisions based on misconceptions rather than scientific evidence. They stressed the need to shift the conversation from reducing fat intake to choosing the right quality of fats and following balanced dietary practices.

Dr. Matheen explained that fats are essential for brain function, hormone production, cell health and vitamin absorption, and should not be eliminated but balanced through quality and moderation. She highlighted that Rice Bran Oil contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats along with bioactives such as oryzanol, tocopherols and tocotrienols, which have been studied for their role in supporting cholesterol management. Its high smoke point also makes it suitable for Indian cooking methods such as deep frying and stir frying. Referring to published evidence, she noted that Rice Bran Oil consumption has been associated with up to a 12% reduction in LDL cholesterol over four weeks, while a meta-analysis of 11 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving 572 participants reported reductions in LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglycerides. She added that these benefits are comparable to those of other unsaturated vegetable oils. However, she reiterated that the choice of cooking oil, together with a balanced diet and an active lifestyle, remains key to maintaining good health

Speaking during the session, Dr. Matheen Asrar, RD, PhD, PGDHA, CDE and Consultant Nutritionist, said, “Good nutrition is built on informed choices guided by credible scientific evidence rather than misconceptions or changing dietary trends. As consumers have access to an abundance of nutrition information, it is important to distinguish facts from myths and adopt dietary habits that are practical, balanced and sustainable. Rice Bran Oil is one of the cooking oils with a well-documented nutritional profile and can be included as part of a healthy diet. However, lasting health is shaped by overall dietary patterns, regular physical activity and consistent lifestyle practices rather than any single food or ingredient.”

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Sujata Stephen, General Secretary, IAPEN Telangana Chapter, said, “Nutrition awareness plays a vital role in improving public health and empowering individuals to make informed dietary choices. At IAPEN Telangana Chapter, we are committed to advancing nutrition education by encouraging knowledge sharing among healthcare professionals and promoting practical dietary guidance for the wider community. Our association with GEF India for this Nutrition Meet provided a valuable platform to discuss preventive nutrition, healthy cooking practices and the nutritional value of Rice Bran Oil. We believe that continued collaboration between healthcare professionals, nutrition experts and responsible industry partners can contribute significantly to promoting healthier lifestyles and supporting long term health and wellbeing.”

Adding to this, Mr. Chetan Pimpalkhute, Marketing Head, Freedom Healthy Cooking Oils, said, “At GEF India, we recognise that consumers today are increasingly seeking practical and reliable nutrition information to support healthier lifestyles. Through this Nutrition Meet, we aimed to simplify the science behind Rice Bran Oil and highlight its everyday nutritional value as part of a balanced diet. Freedom Rice Bran Oil reflects this commitment through its nutritional profile, including a high oryzanol content of more than 10,000 ppm, along with naturally occurring antioxidants such as tocopherols and tocotrienols, making it a practical choice for everyday cooking. By bringing together leading nutrition experts and healthcare professionals, we hope to encourage greater nutrition literacy, inspire healthier cooking practices and empower consumers to make informed food choices with greater confidence.”

The interactive session concluded with experts encouraging consumers to adopt a holistic approach to health through balanced nutrition, regular physical activity and informed cooking oil choices, reiterating that no single food or oil can ensure good health and that long-term wellness depends on consistent lifestyle habits supported by scientific evidence. The Nutrition Meet reflected the shared commitment of GEF India and IAPEN India Hyderabad Chapter to advancing nutrition awareness through credible knowledge-sharing initiatives, bringing together nutrition experts, healthcare professionals and industry leaders to reinforce the importance of evidence-based education in promoting healthier communities and empowering consumers to make informed dietary decisions.

Excessive sodium intake is a major contributor to hypertension. Although the World Health Organization recommends that adults should consume less than 5 grams of salt per day (approximately 2,000 mg of sodium), studies indicate that average daily salt intake in India ranges between 8 and 11 grams, with some recent estimates suggesting consumption is closer to 11 grams, more than double the recommended limit. The challenge lies not only in the amount of salt consumed but also in its deep-rooted role in shaping taste preferences, making it difficult for people to cut back without feeling they are compromising on flavour.

Reducing sodium intake is an important step in supporting overall health. Excess sodium consumption is linked to high blood pressure, which may increase the risk of heart disease.

Products such as Tata Salt Lite, which contain 15% less sodium compared to regular salt, can help manage daily sodium intake while maintaining taste. Lower-sodium alternatives are recommended by global health bodies like the World Health Organization (WHO), which notes that reducing sodium can contribute to better blood pressure control and lower cardiovascular risk, especially in populations with high sodium consumption.

Experts from institutions such as AIIMS have also highlighted that low-sodium salts, when used appropriately, can support heart health. However, individuals with specific medical conditions (such as kidney disease or those on certain medications) should consult a healthcare professional before making dietary changes.

Ultimately, addressing India’s growing concerns around high sodium consumption does not require extreme dietary changes. Small, consistent steps, such as choosing a lower-sodium salt variant like Tata Salt Lite, reducing intake of high-salt processed foods, and being mindful of hidden sources of sodium, can support healthier dietary habits over time. Increasing awareness and making informed choices can contribute to overall well-being as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

Why This Simple Swap Matters

·       Making the shift to lower-sodium salt can support better dietary practices over the long term:

·       Helps manage daily sodium intake as part of a balanced diet

·       Supports maintenance of normal blood pressure when combined with a healthy lifestyle

·       Encourages mindful consumption of salt in everyday meals

·       Maintains the familiar taste of home-cooked food

Beyond switching salt, adopting simple complementary habits, such as choosing fresh foods, limiting intake of processed items, and using herbs and spices for flavour, can support healthier dietary practices as part of a balanced diet and overall lifestyle.

Concerns around high sodium intake may be multifactorial; however, informed food choices in everyday meals can contribute to improved dietary patterns over time. Making mindful choices today can support overall well-being as part of a healthy lifestyle.