Do you think oils are harming your heart and overall health instead of benefiting it, like in the earlier days?
It is because now the oil extraction processes have become commercial and focus on bulk production instead of quality.
For it, they are subjected to high heat and chemicals. Here's where cold-pressed oils come to your rescue.
Cold-pressed oils are subjected to a strong, pungent aroma, spicy flavours like their seeds, and a darker colour.
Unlike modern-day oils that are mixed with palm oil and lack the characteristic odour and flavours they should initially contain, cold-pressed oils possess them.
But why should you opt for it? Let us check the cold-pressed oil benefits!
Cold Pressed Oil Benefits
Today, foods have become increasingly adulterated due to the increase in chemicals, high heat, and production methods used.
Besides, even junk food further worsens your diet. Here's where people are becoming more inclined towards organic and natural choices.
Consequently, cold-pressed oils are gaining vogue due to their purity and health. It represents traditional wisdom and modern wellness.
So, while the prices of cold-pressed oils are higher than usual, you would be thinking about the benefits of cold-pressed oil.
Below-mentioned is a list of cold-pressed oil benefits:
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High in Antioxidants
Cold-pressed oils are rich in antioxidants that protect your body from oxidative stress. The latter causes aging and many chronic diseases.
Further, antioxidants improve immunity and even reduce the risk of heart disease and various cancers.
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Low in Saturated Fats
Unlike refined oils, cold-pressed oils have a lower content of saturated fats, which is a good thing.
Increased intake of saturated fats causes higher bad cholesterol levels and a greater risk of heart disease. Thus, cold-pressed oils are heart-healthy.
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Rich in Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA)
Cold-pressed oils like mustard, coconut, and groundnut oils are rich in PUFAs that play a crucial role in maintaining healthy cell membranes. They even support brain function and regulate inflammation.
Besides, PUFAs also promote a healthy skin barrier, playing a role in skin health apart from reducing the signs of aging.
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Preserves Nutrients
Cold pressing the oils means no use of high heat; hence retains sensitive nutrients like Vitamin E and beta-carotene. The latter has anti-inflammatory and healing properties that benefit the skin and internal health.
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Boost The Immune System
Cold-pressed oils like mustard and coconut are rich sources of lauric acid, which improves the body's immune response. Thus, cold-pressed oils are a natural diet that improves immunity.
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Better Nutritional Value
Cold-pressed oils are rich sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Thus, cold-pressed oils provide a concentrated source of necessary nutrients.
The latter helps to support cardiovascular health and promotes proper brain functioning.
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Improved Cooking Flavors
Cold-pressed oils retain the natural flavors of the source of seeds or nuts from which it is extracted. Thus, you can compare the ancient yet rich taste to the good, and so it is a favorite for cooking enthusiasts to upscale the taste of food.
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Skincare & Hair Care Application
Cold-pressed oils are highly pure and nutrient-dense. They are being greatly used in skincare and hair care and help with:
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Hydration
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Nourishment
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Treating eczema and psoriasis
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Natural alternative to commercial hair care products
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Natural Aroma
Chemicals and high-heat extraction methods with mechanical processes spoil the natural aroma and flavor of oils.
Thus, cold pressed, avoiding all of these, preserves them, which makes it ideal for cooking and other applications.
Types of Presses Used For Cold Press Oils
Coconut, groundnut, sesame, black and yellow mustard oils are some popular forms of cold-pressed oils highly beneficial for Indian cooking.
Yet, you would see a huge difference between cold-pressed oils of various companies owing to their different types of presses used.
Below-mentioned is a list of the types of cold presses:
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Traditional Ghani/Kolhu: This is an ancient method of extracting oils. It consists of a heavy pestle made up of wood or stone that rotates in a fixed mortar. Further, the seeds or nuts are slowly crushed to extract oil.
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Wood Press: It contains a wooden vessel in the traditional press.
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Stone Press: It is a heavy pestle made of stone that was used in earlier times. Currently, no one in India produces stone-pressed oils, as per Gyros Farm. However, stone cold pressed oils are the healthiest.
Is Cold Pressed Oil Good For Health?
Yes, cold pressed oil is good for health and hence preferred for many reasons.
They are healthy because:
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It retains the nutrients
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Doesn't involve any chemicals for extraction, thus making it pure
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Usually is extracted at room temperature; thus, healthy fats are not converted into unhealthy fats
Final Words On Which Cold Pressed Oil Is Good For Health
Traditional Ghani/Kolhu extracted oils are better than modern screw or expeller processes.
This is because it is not completely mechanical, and hence, no room temperature and no chemicals are used.
Wood or stone-pressed oil (preferably from Gyros Farm) works best as the oils are singly extracted at our place means no seeds are subjected to extraction more than once, thus being highly nutritious.
Spending on cold-pressed oils is better than spending on hospital bills, which deteriorate the quality of life.