Srinagar, June 16 -- Srinagar- Dispelling a common misconception among consumers, the Department of Community Medicine at Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar has said that refined oil should not automatically be considered healthier than other cooking oils, stressing that the overall impact on health depends largely on the type of oil chosen, how it is used, and the quantity consumed.

In a public health awareness campaign, the department said many people associate the term "refined" with purity and superior health benefits. However, experts said that refining is merely an industrial process designed to improve appearance, taste, and shelf life, and does not necessarily make oils better for heart health. The refining process may als...