Unlocking the Power of Cold-Pressed Oils for Better Health
Choosing the right oil for Indian cooking can be tricky with all the frying, tadkas, and bold flavors we love. Traditional picks like groundnut and mustard oil do a great job, but with growing health awareness, many are turning to healthier options—like cold-pressed oils. Unlike refined oils, they offer both health benefits and a rich taste. In this blog, let us explore how cold-pressed oils can elevate your everyday cooking—without compromising flavor or tradition.
What are Cold-pressed oils?
Kachi Ghani, or Cold-Pressed, is a popular method of pressing the oil grains with great force, extracting oil and preserving the natural. Since the process requires a lower temperature, the oil retains its natural properties. These oils are known for their distinct flavors and health benefits, making them a popular choice for cooking and baking enthusiasts looking to enhance their dishes with natural ingredients.
Why Choose Cold-Pressed Oils?
One of the most significant reasons to switch to cold-pressed oils is their higher nutritional profile and minimum processing, which make them a healthier alternative to refined oils. Key advantages include:
- Nutrient Retention: Cold-pressed oil is traditionally extracted without heat or chemical technique, preserving nutrients like antioxidants, vitamins and enzymes.
- No Chemicals or Preservatives: Unlike refined oils, which undergo chemical treatment like bleaching, deodorization, and use of preservatives, cold-pressed oils are pure and free from any harmful chemicals or additives.
- Rich in Healthy Fats: These oils are rich in MUFA (Monounsaturated Fatty Acids) and PUFA (Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids) – specifically omega-3 and omega-6, which are essential for heart health, brain function and overall well-being.
Refined vs. Cold-Pressed Oils: Key Differences and Common Adulterants
| Feature | Cold-Pressed Oil | Refined Oil |
| Extraction Method | Mechanical pressing at low temperatures (typically below 50°C). | Involves using heat and chemical solvents. |
| Nutrient Value | Retains valuable nutrients such as antioxidants, vitamins (e.g., vitamin E), and polyphenols. | Experiences a loss of micronutrients due to high heat and chemical processing. |
| Flavor & Aroma | Preserves the natural flavor and aroma of the source seed or nut. | Has a neutral taste and odor due to deodorization. |
| Appearance | Typically darker, with sediment present. | Clear and uniform in appearance. |
| Shelf Life | Generally has a shorter shelf life due to the absence of preservatives. | Offers a longer shelf life due to refining processes and added preservatives. |
| Cooking Suitability | Best suited for low to medium-heat cooking and salad dressings. | Suitable for high-heat cooking methods, such as deep frying. |
| Cost | More expensive due to minimal processing. | Economical and mass-produced. |
Common Adulteration and Health Risks
Pink Tiger-Approved Cold-Pressed Oil
With Pink Tiger, we spotlight health-focused products and conduct thorough Independent third party lab tests to ensure the highest ingredient quality.
Why? Because purity matters.
Adulteration is an increasing concern, particularly with everyday essentials like oils, where harmful additives and contamination can often go unnoticed. Just because a label claims “pure” doesn’t mean it’s actually true; labels can be misleading. That’s why we conduct tests to reveal the truth and provide you with reliable products.
If you’re in the market for cold-pressed oil, opt for one that upholds the highest standards. Look for the Pink Tiger stamp—a symbol of quality you can trust. Explore our carefully curated selection here: You Care Lifestyle Cooking Oils
Disclaimer : This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for any questions or concerns regarding your health.
References :
- Abdalla, S., Aroua, M. K., & Gew, L. T. (2024, October 25). A Comprehensive Review of Plant-Based Cosmetic Oils (Virgin Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Argan Oil, and Jojoba Oil): Chemical and Biological Properties and Their Cosmeceutical Applications. ACS Omega, 9(44), 44019–44032. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.4c04277
- Bortolomeazzi, R., Cordaro, F., Pizzale, L., & Conte, L. S. (2003, March 7). Presence of Phytosterol Oxides in Crude Vegetable Oils and Their Fate during Refining. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 51(8), 2394–2401. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf026063d
- Choon, Ianne, Umair, Mahmud, & Liew. (2021). Edible oils adulteration: A review on regulatory compliance and its detection technologies. https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jos/70/10/70_ess21109/_article/-char/ja/
- Lin, Y., Knol, D., Valk, I., van Andel, V., Friedrichs, S., Lütjohann, D., Hrncirik, K., & Trautwein, E. A. (2017, October). Thermal stability of plant sterols and formation of their oxidation products in vegetable oils and margarines upon controlled heating. Chemistry and Physics of Lipids, 207, 99–107. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2017.01.007
- Michalak, M., Błońska-Sikora, E., Dobros, N., Spałek, O., Zielińska, A., & Paradowska, K. (2024, September 6). Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant Properties, and Cosmetic Applications of Selected Cold-Pressed Plant Oils From Seeds. Cosmetics. https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/11/5/153
- Rabiej-Kozioł, D., Momot-Ruppert, M., Stawicka, B., & Szydłowska-Czerniak, A. (2023, July 18). Health Benefits, Antioxidant Activity, and Sensory Attributes of Selected Cold-Pressed Oils. Molecules. https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/28/14/5484
- V., S., & Prasad. (2023). Extraction of oil from oilseeds by cold pressing: A review. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sugreev-Shinde/publication/371608331_Extraction_of_oil_from_oilseeds_by_cold_pressing_A_review/links/648c2c528de7ed28ba2ffca6/Extraction-of-oil-from-oilseeds-by-cold-pressing-A-review.pdf
- Vezirka, Vesna, & Elena. (2016) Differences in chemical parameters of cold pressed oil and refined cooking oil. https://www.academia.edu/download/86608494/MJAS-06-1-_2016_-214-Pavlovska.pdf
- View of Functional and Nutritional Health Benefit of Cold-pressed Oils. (n.d.). https://saaer.org.in/journals/index.php/jae/article/view/275/199
