Cold pressed oils are oils extracted from seed oils, nuts, grains or vegetables for cooking purpose through a mechanical process as in traditional oil extraction methods. These oils are more nutritious and advantageous to the body than the normal cooking oils. Normal cooking oils or refined oils are almost nil in nutrition owing to the automated extraction process. Automated extraction process subjects the seeds to extreme heat which depletes the oils of all nutrition.
How oil is extracted in cold pressed method
Oil extraction or isolation of oil from fleshy fruits such as the olive and palm or oil seeds such as cotton seed, sesame seed, soybeans, and peanuts is achieved by mechanical pressing. Many oil-bearing seeds and nuts are broken up by grinding, flaking, or rolling, and then subjected to mechanical pressing to liberate the oil. When the oil extraction is in large scale, solvents are induced into the process and later the solvent too is evaporated.
Difference between normal cooking oil vs. cold pressed oil
Hot pressing oils as in the case of normal cooking oils, involves extracting oil at high temperatures. To achieve this oil seeds are heated to a high temperature either through roasting or by adding chemicals. Because of this the acid value of the crude oil rises significantly and eventually to make the oil fit for consumption, it has to be put through the refining process. In the process of refining the cooking oil loses all its natural essence, flavour as well as aroma and nutrition value.
In case of Cold pressed oil, the mechanical process of extracting oil uses more mechanical pressure and maintains the temperature at room level. The end result is that the cooking oil retains its natural essence flavour as well as aroma and nutrition value. The oil extracted in this process is much healthier and aids immunity.
Types of cold pressed oil
Cold pressed oils are of two types:
Cold pressed oils that are rich in Mono-saturated fatty acids - Ex: Olive Oil, Avocado Oil etc.
Cold pressed oils that are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids - Ex: Sesame Oil, Grape seed Oil, Flaxseed Oil etc.
Based on these basic types, the different types of cold pressed oils are
7 Benefits of Cold pressed oil over normal Cooking oil
Cold pressed oils are non-refined whereas normal cooking oil are refined oils
Cold pressed oils are organic whereas normal cooking oils are infused with chemicals during the refining process
Cold pressed oils are extracted with less heat as against normal cooking oil which enables them to hold on to higher nutrition levels than normal cooking oil
Cold pressed oils are much easier to digest than normal cooking oil
Cold pressed oils are low on cholesterol as against normal cooking oil.
Cold pressed oils have antioxidants which normal cooking oils do not. Antioxidants are helpful in boosting immunity.
Cold pressed oils when compared to normal cooking oil are richer in antioxidants, vitamin E, and oleic acid, which make cold pressed oils healthier than normal cooking oil.
Health Benefits of Cold Pressed Oil
Cold pressed oils are healthy for the body. Here is a list of health benefits to help you decided between Cold pressed oil and normal cooking oil for daily cooking purpose:
Cold pressed oils are organic
Cold pressed oils are low in cholesterol
Cold pressed oils retain their natural essence and nutrients
Cold pressed oils are free of chemicals
Cold pressed oils retain their distinct aroma and flavour which enhances the taste of the dish being cooked.
Cold pressed oils are rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6 which promote brain health and immunity
Cold pressed oils are rich in Vitamin A, C, and E which makes them good for skin and in building immunity.
