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While Industrialization brought many products to us for cheap, we realize that it took away the nutrition. Oils have been a part of our kitchen and our beauty cabinets since ages. Chemical or heat-based extraction processes not only killed some of the nutrition present in these oils but also introduced some harmful chemicals in the mix. Which is why those of us who are aware, are going back to oils extracted through the old and safe method of cold-processing.
Cold-pressed oils are able to retain most of the nutrition of the original source and hence are more effective for their kitchen and beauty benefits. Due to this, you can now increasingly find cold-pressed oils in the supermarkets, in your farmers market and on the online commerce platforms. Before we get into the benefits and use of cold-pressed oils, let’s understand what exactly the term ‘cold-pressed’ means.
What Is Cold Pressed Oil?
‘Cold’ means relatively low temperature and ‘pressed’ means applying pressure to squeeze out the oil. Hence ‘Cold Pressed Oil’ refers to extracting oil from seeds, nuts or other parts by applying pressure or force and without using any form of heat in this extraction process. Cold-pressed oil is unrefined, untreated and untouched by any chemical solvent while extracting oil from the seed and nut. Cold-pressed oil to have a more distinctive aroma and flavour as they are untouched by any chemical during extraction. Its nutritional value is also more than the traditional hot pressed method. These cold-pressed oils contain zero per cent of trans fat and are cholesterol-free. Cold-pressed oils are rich in aroma, flavour and retain their nutritional value, thus making it a great option for your health.
What Is The Extraction Process?
Extraction of oil from seeds, nuts, fruits and vegetables by applying pressure to squeeze out oil without the use of external heat is known as cold press method. On the other hand, applying heat for oil extraction results in producing more oil but its nutritional value is less as compared to the cold press method because by applying heat above 50-degree Celsius, the beneficial enzymes in seeds and nuts get destroyed and it also devoid of antioxidants and other essential nutrients.
In the cold press extraction method, the seeds or nuts are put in a big cylinder that has a rotating screw inside it. This screw grinds and presses the seeds/nuts to extract oil. The cylinder has holes at the bottom and the oil thus collected it drained out through these holes. The oil thus extracted is of higher grade oil.
What Is The Shelf Life Of Cold Pressed Oils?
The shelf life of cold-pressed oil generally depends upon its storage. You should always store cold-pressed oils in a cold and dark place away from direct sunlight as they get oxidized under sunlight. But usually, cold-pressed oils have a shorter life than chemically-extracted or heat-extracted oil. It can be extended to a certain limit by proper storage. So it is always recommended to use cold-pressed oil as soon as it is produced.
Cold Pressed Oil Benefits
Cold-pressed oils are super beneficial for your health and beauty. Cold-pressed oil has got a distinct aroma and flavour as it is untouched by chemical solvents and heat. It has all the goodness of nature as it is loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other essential nutrients which can be beneficial for your health, skin and hair.
For Skin
Cold-pressed oils are rich in antioxidants which help to fight free radicals responsible for causing wrinkles and fine lines. Cold-pressed oils are quite nourishing and moisturizing. Cold-pressed oils are rich in omega-3, 6, and 9 fatty acids which are very beneficial for people with dry and sensitive skin. Cold-pressed oil (such as virgin coconut oil, almond and argan oil) has got an anti-inflammatory property which is beneficial in treating skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis. Cold-pressed oil like Jojoba Oil is very light, non-greasy and easily absorbed by the skin and prevents breakouts. These cold-pressed oils are also beneficial for reducing scars, blemishes and hyperpigmentation.
Also Read : Cold Pressed Oils for Skin - Why to Buy and Tips to Use
For Hair
Cold-pressed oil like coconut oil, almond oil or olive oil has nourishing properties which help to nourish your scalp and reduce hair problems like hair fall. Cold-pressed oils are lightweight and get easily absorbed in the scalp and nourish your hair from root to tip. A proper head massage increases the blood circulation which is very beneficial for healthy scalp and hair. It is rich in Vitamin A and E which promotes hair growth and adds shine to your hair.
Also Read : 7 Amazing Benefits Of Including Vitamin E Oil In Your Haircare Regime
For Health
Cold-pressed oils such as coconut oil or Kachchi Ghani oil are extremely beneficial for your health as it is loaded with antioxidants, proteins, vitamins and phospholipids which is definitely a wiser choice as compared to traditional refined oils which are deficient in nutritional value. Cold-pressed oils are generally cholesterol-free and have zero per cent trans fat due to which it helps to keep your blood pressure under control and is good for the healthy heart. Cold-pressed oils to have anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Cold-pressed oil acts a natural immune booster as it is rich in oleic acid.
Uses Of Cold Pressed Oil
- Cold-pressed oils are mainly used in aromatherapy as a carrier oil.
- Cold-pressed oil such as argan oil, olive and almond oil is used in the cosmetic industry because of its beauty benefits.
- One can use cold-pressed oils like almond oil and jojoba oil as a makeup remover.
- Cold-pressed oil like olive oil is used for salad dressing and drizzled over baked fishes, chicken etc.
- Cold-pressed oil like coconut oil is used as a baby massage oil.
Best Cold Pressed Oils For Boosting The Immune System
1. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil exhibits antimicrobial property due to which it is helpful in fighting various infections. It has healing property as coconut oil is anti-inflammatory in nature. Coconut Oil is rich in lauric acid and caprylic acid which helps to boost your immune system.
2. Olive Oil
Olive Oil is rich in antioxidants like Vitamin E which help to protect from cellular damage by free radicals. It has a healing property. Olive Oil is rich in oleic acid and helps to make your immune system strong.
3. Sesame Oil
Sesame Oil is rich in Vitamin E which is beneficial for your overall well being. Sesame Oil helps to increase your immunity power as it is rich in antioxidants such as sesamin, sesamol and sesamolin which helps to fight disease-causing pathogens thus improving your immunity.
Also Read : Ingredients In Depth - Sesame Oil
4. Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed Oil or flax oil is known to be a rich source of Omega-3. Omega -3 fatty acids are known to strengthen your body’s self-defence system because of the presence of alpha-linolenic acid. Flax Oil is very effective in treating Sjogren’s Syndrome which is an immune system disorder.
5. Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose oil is an excellent source of Linoleic acid (almost 70-72%) which acts as an immune booster. Evening primrose oil is rich in Vitamin B complex which helps to increase your body’s ability to fight diseases, thus improving your immune system.
Now you have enough reasons to discard your refined cooking oil and switch to cold-pressed oil which is a much healthier alternative. Additionally, you can pamper your skin and hair with the goodness of cold-pressed oil and switch to a holistic way of living.
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