Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Cold-pressed Oils

The use of cold pressed oils India dates back to Indus Valley Civilization, i.e., nearly 5000 years ago. The nutrition-rich oil variety has been making a comeback in Indian kitchens lately for a plethora of reasons. Several health-conscious individuals are replacing their standard cooking oil with flavourful cold-pressed oils

However, the benefits of cold pressed oils are beyond cooking food. Health experts suggest its inclusion in our daily lifestyle in various ways.

Let's understand all about this healthy oil alternative.

Process of Making Cold-pressed Oil

The cold-pressed oil extraction process is the reason behind its high nutritional value. The oil-making method includes grinding oil-bearing nuts, seeds, fruits, or vegetables without heat or chemical application. 

Are you wondering how to make cold pressed oils with no heat? The extractors use traditional stone, steel, or wooden mortar and pestle called "Ghani" to slowly press seeds or nuts. The friction during the process creates heat that produces natural oil. After minimum processing, you get cold pressed oil that is ready to use. Moreover, this whole oil-making method doesn't impact the natural vitamins, lecithin, proteins, and antioxidants present in the extracted ingredient. 

Hence, natural cold-pressed oils hold the aroma and nutrition of their key ingredients.

Cold-pressed Oil vs Refined Oil 

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Unfiltered and minimally processed cold-pressed oils have a lower yield. On the other hand, refined oils have more yield capacity due to the hydrogenation process and chemicals, such as acetic acid and hexane. However, excessive heat destroys the potent compounds, aroma, flavour, and quality of refined oils. 

With all-natural nutrients and flavour intact, cold-pressed oils are a healthier cooking choice than your regular refined oils. Besides, they contain antioxidants that refined oil loses due to their exposure to high heat.

What are the Benefits of Using Cold-pressed Oils?

Check out how cold pressed oil uses can be beneficial for your health. 

Rich in Nutrition

Cold-pressed oils are the powerhouse of essential nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants, such as phospholipids, lecithin, Vitamin-E and protein. Thus, the use of these unfiltered oils is ideal for holistic well-being.

Ensures Good Heart Health

One of the best cold pressed oil benefits is it maintains heart health. They help improve good cholesterol and remove bad cholesterol from your body. Further, high plant sterol in the oil lowers the risk of heart attacks.

Improves Skin's Health

According to skin specialists, applying certain cold-pressed oils improves build circulation and nourishes your skin. The antioxidant properties in the oil minimise wrinkles.

Healthy Hair Solution

There are many cold pressed oil benefits for hair. The presence of antioxidants in these oils seals moisture to prevent dryness. You can massage your hair with cold-pressed oil to make them smooth and lustrous. Besides, it protects your hair from breakage and promotes hair growth. 

Best Cold-pressed Oils

There are different types of cold pressed oils available in the market. Some popular options are:

  • Sesame Oil: An anti-inflammatory oil that helps improve oral hygiene, heart health, and sleep.
  • Coconut Oil: This aromatic cold-pressed oil is good for hair, skin, and the digestive system.
  • Mustard Oil: Rich in polyunsaturated, monounsaturated fats, omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, you can use it for cooking a range of cold pressed oil recipes that you eat regularly.
  • Groundnut Oil: It is a cholesterol-free oil with a high smoking point. Thus, you can use groundnut cold-pressed oil for frying and high-temperature cooking.
  • Almond Oil: Use cold-pressed almond oil for skin care and hair health. It can treat pimples, reduce dark circles, and strengthen hair follicles.
  • Olive Oil: It's a great source of Vitamin E that protects your body from free radical damage. Besides, oil's high oleic acid content helps boost the immune system.
  • Flaxseed Oil: This cold-pressed oil is rich in omega-3 and polyunsaturated fatty acids. You can use it as a topping on salad dressings, dips or sauces.

Wrap Up

Key Takeaways -

  • Cold-pressed oils are 100% natural due to no added preservatives or hazardous chemicals.
  • The cold pressing process retains essential vitamins, antioxidants, flavour and taste of extracted seed or nuts.
  • These oils also have antioxidants and unsaturated fats that help reduce the risk of chronic heart diseases.

For a shift towards a healthy lifestyle, cold-pressed oil can be a good substitute for your regular refined oils. This little transformation can make a big difference to your overall well-being. From cooking to direct application, you'll find different cold-pressed oil varieties suitable for your personal needs.

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