Best Cold Pressed Oil For Indian Cooking

Oil, undoubtedly, is one of the staple ingredients in cooking. We need it in almost every recipe. In fact, certain oils make for the best base for salad dressings. Normally refined oils are used for cooking purposes. Some cultures also use butter along with oil. Indian cuisine is incomplete with ghee used for cooking food. 

Refined oils are generally used in cooking however they have a few negative consequences. For example, refined oils can cause respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems, etc. To ensure your health stay in a good shape, refined oils can be replaced with cold pressed oils. To know which one to choose from a range of cold pressed oils, you must read this article till the end. 

Cold-pressed oils: What are they?

The process of cold pressing is used to extract oil. Using this method, fiber is removed from the food product without the use of heat. In contrast to other oil extracted using heat and chemical processing, the process of oxidization in this method is moderate and gradual, preserving the nutritional content of food without altering the oil’s natural flavor. The creation of common culinary oils has recently seen the widespread adoption of the cold-pressed method.

Following is the list of 7 cold-pressed oils that are commonly used in cooking. If you are still using refined oil and wish to make a healthy change, this list is a must check-out. 

1. Olive oil

Olive oil is great cooking oil for creating pasta, basic fish or lean meat dishes, continental specialties, sautéed veggies, and other dishes. Cold-pressed olive oil, which is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, stimulates the immune system, encourages the renewal of cells, and has anticancer potential. On the other hand, cooking olive at high temperatures might reduce its effectiveness; as a result, it is preferred for low-heat dishes or subtle sautéing.

2. Groundnut oil

It serves as additional well-liked cooking oil. Groundnut oil that has been cold-pressed keeps its nutrients and is very healthful. When used sparingly, this cold-pressed oil lowers LDL and improves the cardiovascular system, thereby lowers the incidence of strokes and heart attacks. It is rich in MUFA, PUFA, vitamins A, D, and E. This oil is a great option for Indian cooking because of its high smoking point.

3. Hemp seed oil 

In addition to vitamins A and E, iron, calcium, and magnesium are just a few of the micronutrients found in hemp seed oil. Omega-3 fatty acids and protein that can be digested are both abundant in this oil. Additionally, this oil has a fantastic balance of Omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids, which together reduce cholesterol values.

4. Coconut oil 

Cold-pressed coconut oil is rich in MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides), which raise HDL (good) cholesterol content in the blood while boosting cardiovascular fitness when consumed in moderation. Additionally, lauric acid, an antibacterial active lipid that aids in infection prevention and is present in breast milk, is present in cold-pressed coconut oil. This acid also safeguards babies from diseases. For preparing common Indian recipes, cold-pressed coconut oil is the best choice given that it can endure high heat without losing its potency.

5. Flaxseed oil 

Flaxseed oil, with high in omega 3 fatty acids, is an excellent source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, is great for those with gut health problems since it reduces inflammation in the body and is also healthy for the heart. Nevertheless, as this cold-pressed oil oxidizes easily and produces dangerous compounds when heated, it should never be used for cooking. You may incorporate this oil into your regular diet by adding it to smoothies, dipping sauces, and salad dressings.

6. Mustard oil 

Cold-pressed mustard oil sounds like a good replacement for a refined variety of the same. Majorly used in Indian cuisine especially north Indian cuisine, this oil adds a particular taste to curries and vegetables. Also, it has higher smoking point, and thus can be used for making Indian style pickles. 

7. Sesame oil

This oil can be used for other purposes as well. You can replace the refined oil with cold-pressed sesame oil. This oil can also be used for body massage, head massage, etc. When infused with herbs, cold-pressed sesame seed oil can also be used to control hair fall and to encourage hair growth. 

Cold-pressed oils are free of harsh chemicals. They are extracted in certain ways to ensure no nutrients are affected or removed. Also, these oils can also be purchased at local grocery stores. If you wish to save time and gain some good discount, you can buy cold-pressed oils for cooking online also. 

Read More: Benefits of Cold Pressed Sunflower Oil