A healthy diet is crucial to a healthy life. It is common for us to try to avoid gluten, refined flour, and many other things. However, have we ever given any thought to the refined oil that is used as part of the cooking process in Indian kitchens? These are empty calories that are linked to disease risk factors like high cholesterol, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. Is this to say we should stop enjoying tasty meals? Definitely not! Instead, opt for healthy alternatives, and that’s where cold-pressed oils come into play!
The use of cold-pressed oils is becoming more popular as a healthier alternative to refined oils. Oils from cold pressed seeds are extracted with patience by slowly crushing them to release their oils. As a result of this process, the oils retain their nutrients as well as their flavors. Therefore, these oils are full of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to good health.
How are these Oils made?
Refined Oil – Refined oils are generally prepared at high temperatures using modernized techniques. The oil is also referred to as hot-pressed oil. The seeds are first washed and cleaned properly, and then they are grinded at very high speeds in machines that produce a lot of heat, close to 200°C. Additionally, various types of chemicals are also added during the preparation of this oil. The chemicals help to improve the texture, color, and shelf life of oil so that it can be preserved for a long time.
Cold-pressed Oil – Cold-pressed oil in Mangalore is produced using an age-old technique, and the concept of making this oil is similar to Kacchi-Ghani, which has been used for years and still is used in some places today. In cold pressing, oil is extracted from seeds without adding any external heat at room temperature. The seeds are first washed, dried completely, crushed, and pressed after drying to extract the oil. Heat is never used at any stage of the manufacturing process. The extraction of oil from cold-pressed seeds requires much more effort than that of refined oils because cold-pressed oil isn’t heated and is only crushed and pressed.
Benefits of Cold-Pressed oil
The benefits of cold-pressed oils extend beyond basic nutrition and include several health benefits as well. These products fall under the category of functional products and contain several bioactive ingredients. In addition to their nutritional and health benefits, cold-pressed oils also enhance the skin and enhance the taste of food.
Packed With Healthy Fats
A major component of it is oleic acid, which lowers cholesterol levels in the blood, protects the liver from oxidative damage, and suppresses oxidative stress. It is a good source of polyunsaturated fats.
They’re free from harmful chemicals:
During refining, various chemicals are used, such as sodium, hexane, hydrogen, bleaching agents, and sodium bicarbonate. Cold-pressed oil in Mangalore is 100% organic and free of chemicals like gallate, propyl, BHT, and BHA, which are used as preservatives in other oils that are extremely toxic. Switching to cold-pressed oils is a great way to live organically and avoid chemicals.
Retention of Quality :
The production of refined oils uses high temperatures, which destroy vitamin E and beta carotene. Oils pressed from cold-pressed seeds retain their nutritional and health benefits. The anti-inflammatory and healing properties of vitamin E make it a valuable supplement. As a result of cold-pressing, the antioxidants are retained, which would otherwise be destroyed by heat.
Boosts Immune System
Cold-pressed oils contain natural antioxidants that reduce cell damage, as well as vitamin E, which has anti-inflammatory and healing properties.
High in Nutrients
As an alternative to cooking, cold-pressed oils are highly recommended due to their high nutritional value. Besides providing vitamins and antioxidants, cold-pressed oils also contain phospholipids, lecithin, and protein. In addition to omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, they also contain vitamin E. Additionally, they contain zinc, vitamins A, C, D, and K, lecithin, and potassium. Bioflavonoids are also contained in cold-pressed oils.
Tastes Natural
Cold-pressed oil in Mangalore imparts a distinct flavor and taste to food. This is due to the fact that the flavors and aromas are not lost during the extraction process due to heat. Using cold-pressed oil for cooking is a good choice since its taste and flavor blend well with spices.
Good For Skin
A cold-pressed oil can be used as a toner and moisturizer, according to skincare experts. Additionally, they work as a hair mask and are good for frizzy hair. Using cold-pressed oils that contain nourishing ingredients, vitamins, and aromas is the best way to maintain healthy skin. Make-up experts recommend mixing cold-pressed oil with tint or foundation cream as a base for make-up.
Cold-Pressed Oil – The Wise Choice
In comparison to refined oil, Cold-pressed oil requires less oil to carry out a cooking task. When you need 2 liters of refined oil to finish a particular cooking task, you only need 1 liter of cold-pressed oil. Therefore, cold-pressed oils are cost-effective. While using cold-pressed oil for cooking, certain things should be kept in mind. In order to retain their nutritional value, they should not be exposed to a great deal of heat and should be used in small quantities. Use cold-pressed oil only to enhance the flavor of food. Oils such as sesame and olive oil are simply sprinkled on food since they cannot be directly heated. Thus, cold-pressed oil should be used with care and in moderation.
Quick note: Cold-pressed oils do not contain preservatives, but that does not mean they spoil easily.? Cold-pressed oils from Aarvioils.com can last for months if they are stored in a cool, dark place.
Consider replacing your refined oils with cold-pressed alternatives when scouring your pantry for ingredients. In addition to a healthier lifestyle, you can expect to discover some amazing new tastes and flavors.