Have you ever heard about cold pressed oil? If your answer is no, then you have various questions in mind, such as What is cold pressed oil? What are its benefits over other oils, how can we utilize it, and much more? To know the answers to all these questions, we have to read this article to the end.
From being a healthier option to the nutrition present in cold pressed oil as compared to hot pressed oil, it is widely popular among people in different nations. Briefly, cold-pressed oil is naturally obtained by crushing oil seeds at normal room temperature. No extra heat or chemicals are required; that’s why it is a healthier oil variant. In this oil, the acid value is low, so oil products are obtained after filtration and precipitation.
Cold Pressed Oil History:
Most of the people want to know the history of cold-pressed oil. Its origin is traced back to the Indus Valley civilization. Archaeological evidence suggests the Indus Valley Civilization, centred around Harappa, used sesame seeds and had oil-pressing technology over 5,000 years ago. They likely used a cold-pressing method, which preserves more nutrients in the oil compared to modern techniques.
Kolhu, Chekku, and Ghani are the common names that are used in India for cold pressed oil. Ghani’s name is because of a long cylindrical instrument used to extract oil from seeds in old times. According to another book source by K.T Achaya, Ghani was a pestle and mortar device that was made of wood or stone and was used to press or crush oil seeds.
What is Cold Pressed Oil?
An oil that is obtained by crushing oil seeds at room temperature without any chemicals and heat is Cold pressed oil. Most of the secrets of this oil lies in its process of making. First the oil is extracted by crushing the oil seeds under pressure but using low heat methods. After that, a huge cylinder is used to complete the process.
The seeds are continuously crushed under this cylinder until the oil is completely extracted. This method of extraction is without any harmful chemicals and preservatives; therefore, this process of making oil is completely natural and hygienic. There is no need for refining steps, and the oil is immediately used after extraction and filtration.
Cold pressed oil is natural as it has original flavor, taste, fragrance, and more nutrition. There are a variety of cold-pressed oils, such as mustard oil, sesame oil, and groundnut oil, that are 100% healthy and natural.
Difference Between Cold Pressed Oil And Hot Pressed Oil
Cold pressed oil is naturally extracted; therefore, it retains more nutrients and becomes healthier than hot-pressed oil and other oils; let’s find out the difference between these two oils.
- Cold-pressed oil is naturally extracted. Therefore, it is healthier than hot-pressed oil and retains its flavor, origin, and taste.
- On the other hand, hot pressed oil is extracted by using high heat approx. 200°C and various chemical solvents. These chemicals and heat affect the oil, and the nutrients and flavor of the oil are lost.
Are Cold Pressed Oils Healthier Than Other Oils?
When it comes to health, cold pressed oil is healthier than hot-pressed oil as it retains its originality and has proper nutrients. This oil also contains antioxidants that are usually absent in hot-pressed oil because of its exposure to heat and chemicals. Most of the pressed oil is rich in oleic acid and vitamin E, which boosts immunity.
Why is Cold Pressed Oil Good for Health?
Cold pressed oil is the best vegetable oil in India. It is best because of various benefits that can be used regularly. Let’s focus on these health benefits of cold pressed oil.
- Cold-pressed oil is rich in vitamins A, E, D, C, Zinc, Potassium, and Omegas 3 & 6. All these nutrients help protect the liver from oxidative damage and also provide anti-cancer properties. Cold-pressed sesame oil reduces the chance of colorectal cancer.
- Antioxidants in this oil are very useful to minimize the risk of different chronic diseases and cancer formation.
- It also works best for the skin in many ways. According to many skin specialists, sesame oil is best applied on the face to prevent it from being damaged by the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. One of the most prominent benefits is it withstands 30 % of UV rays, and by going deeply into skin pores, the nutrients in the oil begin to work inside out and improve circulation.
- Along with skin, it is also helpful to improve hair’s health. The antioxidants in the oil lock moisture in the hair, reduce dryness and enhance hair growth.
- This oil is also used in ayurvedic treatments that can help to remove plaque. Antifungal chlorosesamone and fatty acids in this oil help to eliminate undesirable germs and promote tooth health. Sesame oil has an antiinflammatory and moisturizing effect on gums that soothe gums pain and improves gums health. It also reduces foul smell from your breath. Cold-pressed oil helps to avoid cavities and dental decay. Monosaturated fatty acids in this oil help to maintain blood sugar levels by absorbing fat and keeping you healthy.
- Heart patients also get benefits from cold-pressed oil as it stops bad cholesterol levels and boosts good cholesterol in the body, improving heart health. This oil is rich in plant sterol that helps to reduce the high risk of heart attack.
- Those who are suffering from liver problems can use this oil in their daily diet to improve their liver health.
- Many studies show that cold pressed oil is really helpful in reducing inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory properties, healthy fats, and antioxidants.
- It has a great taste, flavor, and fragrance and never loses its origin as it is completely free from harmful chemicals. Due to the presence of a high quantity of magnesium and other minerals in sesame seed oil, it lowers blood glucose levels and reduces the risk of diabetes. Diabetic patients use this oil to stay healthy and fit.
- Tyrosine, an amino acid that is found in sesame oil, has a direct relation with serotonin. It is a neurotransmitter that influences mood, and sesame oil is helpful in producing serotonin in the body to boost our mood and improve mental health.
If you are already using refined oil then it is suggested to replace it with cold-pressed oil to get health benefits. Steadily add it to your diet and make yourself fit and healthy.
Disclaimer
While cold-pressed oils may be part of a healthy diet, more research is needed to confirm claims of treating diseases that are discussed above.
Why Is Cold Pressed Oil Better Than Normal Oil
There are various oil seeds that can be extracted in a normal way and naturally without losing their nutrition. Some of the most common seeds are Peanut, Sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, canola, olive and coconut. These cold pressed variants are a healthy replacement for your regular cooking oil. In cooking, cold pressed oil is beneficial as it never forms foam or silt, while on the other hand, hot-pressed oil undergoes these changes.
One precaution is not to expose these oils to high heat and use them only in cooking food that is prepared on low to medium heat. Using these oils for deep frying is not recommended as it breaks down the unsaturated fat and makes it unsafe for consumption.
Conclusion
We have discussed what is cold pressed oil and all its benefits in detail. Now, you should consume it to become healthy and fit as it is 100 % natural and does not contain any harmful chemicals that deteriorate health. So, use this healthy oil without any worries in mind.