Why Should We Use Wood Pressed Oil?

Two years into the pandemic, people are becoming more conscious of what they eat. People have started correlating gut health with immunity. The statistics also support an upward trajectory for plant-based natural food and oil consumption. With plant-based eating becoming more mainstream, people have started delving deep into the Indian culinary heritage, seeking options that serve the right amount of nutrients and satiate taste buds.

One such marvel is – wood pressed cooking oil, a basic yet very powerful ingredient. From salad dressing to main courses and snacks, choosing the right cooking oil should be a conscious decision as it can largely influence your mental and physical health.

For many of us, refined oils are the best medium for cooking and promote cardiovascular health. However, scientists have turned the tables again with new research emphasising that wood-pressed oils are what we must consume, not refined ones. But what’s the difference between the two? It might not be very clear for a layperson to understand the difference between the two owing to their similar appearance and use.

Therefore, we have curated a list of information on wood-pressed oil, its benefits, and its uses to push all the fence-sitters over to the wellness segment.

What is wood-pressed oil?

As the name suggests, wood-pressed oils are extracted using a wood pestle (Ghani, Kolhu, or Chekku) that crushes dried nuts and seeds. The setup consists of a wooden pestle and wooden collector to press and collect the oil. During the process, seeds and nuts indigenous to different parts of the country are dried and then crushed using a wooden pestle. The process extracts the nutritional properties of seeds and nuts without going to waste.

The entire process is carried out at a temperature below 40 degrees. Also, no external chemicals or preservatives are used during the process. Hence, there’s no alteration at the molecular level, making wood-pressed oils 100% natural and healthy.

Benefits of choosing Wood Pressed Oil as your preferred cooking oil

• Lowers cholesterol levels as wood-pressed oils are manufactured under intense heat and contain no trans fat
• Improves blood circulation and hence, maintains heart and skin health
• Boosts healthier bones
• Contains antioxidants that help to relieve stress and anxiety
• Cures digestion problems
• The presence of vitamin B and E in it makes your skin glow and shine naturally
• Prevents premature ageing
• Strengthens the jaws and fights bleeding gums
• Boosts hair growth and rejuvenates the damaged ones
• Offers high nutritional value
• Adds unique flavour and aroma to a dish
• Benefits the heart, gut, and mind

Wood pressed oils not only prove to be a significant ingredient for a hearty meal, but their topical application can help you get rid of skin problems naturally.

Some of the widely used wood-pressed oils

· Coconut Oil

· Mustard Oil

· Sesame oil

· Groundnut Oil

· Sunflower Oil

Bottom Line

With increasing awareness of a healthy lifestyle among people and the growing inclination towards holistic wellness, wood-pressed oils have started regaining their significance as cooking oil. Switching from regular cooking oil to wood-pressed oils can be expensive, but this little transformation can make a big difference to your health and well-being. So, if you are also one of those ‘health seekers’ appreciating nature’s bounty, start investing in long-term health benefits. Start investing in natural cooking oils.