What Is Cold Pressed Oil And Why Is It Good For Health?

Ever find yourself pouring less oil into your pan, thinking you're doing your health a favour? Many of us believe that eating less oil is the key to a healthier life. But here's the truth: it’s not just the quantity; it’s about the quality of the regular oil you’re using.

Refined oils or the regular oils we use in our kitchens have been stripped of their natural nutrients through high-heat processing. In fact, studies show that up to 90% of the natural antioxidants and healthy fats in regular oils are lost during refining. 

What’s left behind? Mostly empty calories and unhealthy trans fats that can raise your risk of heart disease and inflammation. So, do you stop using refined oils? This is where cold pressed oils come into the picture.

Health experts define cold pressed oils as a healthier alternative to regular oils or refined oils. Before you buy you must know what is cold pressed oil and how are they different from refined oils or regular cooking oils? This blog post will give you an in-detail walkthrough!

Table of Contents:

1. What is Cold Pressed Oil?
2. Making Process of Cold-Pressed Oil
3. Cold Pressed Oil Vs Refined Oil
4. Are Cold Pressed Oil and Wood Pressed Oil the Same?
5. Health Benefits of Cold-Pressed Oil Over Regular Cooking Oil
6. Which Type of Cold Pressed Oil is Good for Cooking?

 

What is Cold Pressed Oil?

Cold-pressed oil is oil extracted from seeds, nuts, or fruits using a natural method that involves pressing them at low temperatures. All refined oils are made using high heat which kills the nutrients. Cold-pressed oils are made with low heat and pressure, which is the biggest advantage.

This process helps retain the oil's natural nutrients. For eg. Cold pressed olive oil has more flavour and nutrients compared to refined one. Similarly all unrefined, cold-pressed oils are minimally processed, they are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats. They are even good for skincare.

In simple terms, cold pressed oils are oils in their most natural and pure form, offering not just better taste & benefits than refined oils. Wondering what is cold pressed oil made of? 

Here’s a detailed explanation of the process of cold-pressing oils.

Making Process of Cold-Pressed Oil

The process of cold pressing is a simple method that is very unique and healthier than refined oil processing. Here’s how it works:

1. Raw Materials are Selected:

The process starts with sourcing and selecting high-quality seeds, nuts, or fruits. The ingredients are picked based on their natural oil content, so the final oil you get is of the highest quality.

2. Cleaning and Preparation Process:

Once selected, the raw materials are thoroughly cleaned to remove any dirt or impurities. This step is needed so the oil extracted is pure and free from contaminants.

3. Extraction of the Oil:

The cleaned seeds or nuts are then put into a metal pressing machine, where they are pressed at low temperatures which is roughly below 120°F (49°C). Cold pressing uses mechanical force to extract the oil. This helps preserve natural nutrients and antioxidants in the oil.

4. Filtration of the Oil:

After the oil is extracted, it is filtered to remove any remaining solid particles. So the oil you get is clear and ready for use. Some cold-pressed oils may undergo single filtering to maintain a more natural, rustic look.

5. Bottling the Oil into Containers:

The final step is bottling the filtered oil. Because cold-pressed oils are sensitive to light and heat, they are usually stored in dark glass bottles which preserves their quality.

The entire cold pressing process is done to maintain the integrity of the oil, resulting in a product that is rich in healthy fats. Cold-pressed oils are popular for their superior taste and health benefits, used in cooking and even skincare.

 

 

Cold Pressed Oil vs Refined Oil

Before you choose any oil to buy, you should know why its cold pressed version is better. Every oil, be it peanut oil or olive oil, has both refined and unrefined cold pressed products in the market. Here's a table to help you know the basic differences between cold-pressed oil and refined oil or regular oils.

 

Feature	Cold-Pressed Oil	Refined Oil
Extraction Process	Extracted using natural, low-heat methods such as mechanical pressing.	Extracted using high heat and chemicals, including bleaching agents and deodorants.
Nutrient Content	Retains most natural nutrients and antioxidants.	Loses nutrients due to high heat and processing.
Flavour	Strong, natural flavour of the seed or nuts.	Mild or neutral flavour
Health Benefits	They are rich in healthy fats and vitamins like A, K, & D.	Fewer health benefits due to nutrient loss.
Shelf Life	Shorter shelf life, you must store them in cool, dark places to prevent oxidation.	Longer shelf life as the refining process removes impurities and stabilizes the oil.
Price	Typically more expensive due to higher quality and labour-intensive process.	Generally cheaper due to mass production.
Best Uses	Suitable for low, medium-heat cooking depending on the variety of oil.	Suitable for high-heat cooking, like frying & roasting.
Additives	Doesn’t contain any additives or preservatives.	May contain additives or preservatives.

 

 Recommended Article : Coldpressed oil vs Refined oil

Are Cold Pressed Oil and Wood Pressed Oil the Same?

Let’s understand a little about cold-pressed oil vs. wood-pressed oils so you know which best fits your cooking preferences.

Here's the revised table comparing Cold-pressed Oil and Wood-pressed Oil:

Feature	Cold-pressed Oil	Wood-pressed Oil
Extraction Method	Extracted using low heat and pressure on a metal press.	Extracted using a wooden press (traditionally called “Kachi Ghani or Lakdi Ghani”) at low heat.
Nutrient Retention	Retains natural nutrients and antioxidants.	Retains natural nutrients and antioxidants.
Flavour	Strong, natural flavour.	Strong, natural flavour.
Oxidation Rate	Lower due to minimal heat.	Lower due to minimal heat.
Method	More modern method compared to wood-pressed.	Ancient, traditional method of oil extraction.
Best For	Salad dressings, drizzling, light cooking.	Same as cold-pressed oil.
Price	Generally more expensive.	Typically similar to or slightly more than cold-pressed oils.

 

 

Health Benefits of Cold-Pressed Oil Over Regular Cooking Oil

Regular oils are widely used, but behind all the hype for cold pressed oils is genuine research on their health benefits. Due to the way they are extracted, cold pressed oils are more beneficial to your health than regular oils.

Here’s how cold pressed oils prove to be better than regular oils:

They Retain More Essential Nutrients: 

Cold-pressed oils have more vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that regular oils often lose due to high-heat processing.

Completely Free from Harmful Chemicals:

Unlike regular oils, cold-pressed oils are free from chemical solvents, bleaching agents and residues, giving you a cleaner product.

Good For Your Heart Health:

Cold pressed are rich in healthy fats like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These fats help lower bad cholesterol. The Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids present in these oils are good for your immune system.

Extremely High in Antioxidants:

Cold press oils contain natural antioxidants, such as Vitamin E, which help protect your body.

Contain Unique Flavour:

The natural flavours of seeds and nuts are preserved in the low-heat extraction process, giving your dishes a richer taste and aroma.

Contain No Trans Fats:

Cold-pressed oils are free from harmful trans fats, which are often present in regular cooking oils.

Improve Your Skin and Hair:

Cold pressed unrefined oils like Flaxseed oil and Coconut oil deeply moisturise your skin and nourish your hair if you apply them regularly. They are far more natural & better than any store bought products.

 

 

Which Type of Cold Pressed Oil is Good for Cooking?

You can find a variety cold pressed oils for cooking but the choice depends on some factors, like the oil’s smoke point. Here’s a general idea of what you can choose:

1. Coconut Oil
• Smoke Point: Around 350°F
• Best for medium-heat cooking, frying, and sautéing. High in saturated fats, which can be more stable at higher temperatures.
2. Flaxseed Oil
• Smoke Point: Around 225°F 
• It is best for low-heat cooking or used as a finishing oil in dressings and dishes. It is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.
3. Sunflower Oil
• Smoke Point: Around 440°F-450°F
• Best for high-heat cooking, frying, and roasting. High in Vitamin E and low in saturated fats.
4. Groundnut Oil (Peanut Oil)
• Smoke Point: Around 450°F for refined, 320°F for unrefined oil
• Best for high-heat cooking, frying, and grilling dishes. Good balance of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
5. Olive Oil
• Smoke Point: Around 375°F-400°F for extra virgin olive oil.
• Extra virgin olive oil is best for medium, to low-heat cooking, sautéing, and as a finishing oil in dishes. It is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. It is especially noted for its health benefits and flavour.
6. Avocado Oil
• Smoke Point: Around 375-480°F
• Avocado Oil is high in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, it’s suitable for cooking in extreme temperatures, frying, roasting, grilling, baking, and in salad dressings. 

 

Conclusion

We at AsmitA Organic Farms believe that health is made in the kitchen. We adhere to strict standards and use carefully selected organic raw materials to bring you the highest quality cold-pressed oils. 

Our oils are certified for purity and high nutrient content. They are extracted using a gentle cold pressing method which makes them free from harmful chemicals and additives. Once you try them, there’s no going back because they are the most flavourful and healthiest. Explore our range of cold-pressed oils today.

 

FAQs

How should I store cold-pressed oil to keep it fresh?

Cold-pressed oil should be stored in a cool, dark place, preferably in a glass bottle. This helps protect it from light and heat.

Can I use cold-pressed oil for high-heat cooking?

It's best to use oils with higher smoke points to prevent burning and loss of nutrients. You can use cold-pressed groundnut oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil for high-heat cooking.

How can I tell if my cold-pressed oil is pure and high-quality?

When you’re buying oils, look for certifications on the label, such as USDA, India Organic, or Jaivik Bharat. High-quality cold-pressed oil should be natural in colour and have a fresh aroma.

Are cold-pressed oils suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

Yes, cold-pressed oils are generally suitable for most dietary restrictions. Check the label for any nut allergies.