Vanaspati
Also known as:
Hydrogenated vegetable oil, Vanaspati ghee
Description:
Vanaspati is fully or partially hydrogenated vegetable cooking oil. It is white and grainy in texture. Vanaspati is often used as a cheaper substitute for ghee. It has a very high burning point and doesn't burn/ smoke during cooking.
Commonly used in:
Deep-fried sweet and savoury
Health benefit:
Vanaspati is said to stimulate the secretion of stomach acids to aid digestion, while butter and oils can sit heavy and slow down the digestive process