Health is the most precious treasure we possess. To live a healthy life, we must eat healthily, organic and chemical-free. Oil is the primary ingredient in our food; thus, we need to be careful while choosing it.    Oilseeds can be naturally pressed to extract oil. May it be sesame seeds, coconut, groundnut, or olive. Read on to get the difference between the two types of edible oils.  

What are refined oils or hot-pressed oils?

Refined oils are extracted using high heat. Also known as hot-pressed oils, refined oils are made by first cleaning them, then grinding them at high speed, which can generate heat up to 200°C, and using some harmful chemicals, which finally gives us the oil. Refined oils include all kinds of oils used for edible as well as technological purposes.   Several oils like sunflower, palm, soybean, cottonseed, and rice bran, among others, were required to be sold only as refined oils as these oils were produced by the solvent extraction process and may contain solvent residues. However, the refining process is done as per the guidelines issued by the Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI).  

What are cold-pressed oils?

Cold-pressed oils refer to oils obtained through pressing fruit or seeds with a modern steel press. Cold-pressed oils are crushed slowly to extract oil from them. Low heat is generated during the process, which helps in retaining the nutrients and the flavors.   Traditionally, words like ""Chekku,"" ""Ghani,"" and ""Kolhu"" oil were used in India to describe cold-pressed oil. A long cylindrical instrument, known as 'Ghani,' was used to extract oil from oilseeds in olden times.  

Difference between the two oils:

The cold-pressed oils have more excellent nutritional value, higher Omega 3 (anti-inflammatory) fatty acids, and more antioxidants. Most cold-pressed oils are rich in vitamin E, which has anti-inflammatory and healing properties. They are also rich sources of oleic acid that help boost your immune system. When cooked on low heat, all these oils are the champion choice.   On the contrary, the refined oil-making process involves filtration through various unwanted and hazardous chemicals and heat, making the oils look light and shiny. This mechanized process makes the oilseed devoid of natural organic ingredients that our body needs daily. Refined oil has a lot of fat and is vacant of nutrition.   

Species of Cold-pressed oils:

1. Sesame oil

Sesame oil is an edible vegetable oil derived from sesame seeds. Besides being used as cooking oil, it is used as a flavor enhancer in many cuisines, having a distinctive nutty aroma and taste. The oil is one of the earliest-known crop-based oils.  

2. Sunflower oil

Organic Sunflower oil is made by pressing the seeds of sunflower plants harvested organically without any chemicals or pesticides. Sunflower oil is the standard cooking oil used in Indian kitchens.  

3. Virgin coconut oil

Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is extracted from fresh coconut milk and is 100% natural. It is unrefined, unbleached, and cold-pressed. Unlike other coconut oil extracted through heat, VCO does not possess that latik odor but the fresh aroma of coconut oil.  

4. Coconut oil

Coconut oil, or copra oil, is an edible oil extracted from the kernel or meat of mature coconuts harvested from the coconut palm. It has various applications. The high saturated fat content is slow to oxidize and, thus, resistant to rancidification, lasting up to six months at 24 degrees Celcius without spoiling.   

5. Mustard oil

Pure organic oil has its typical pungent aroma, yellowish color, and intense flavor. Indians love to eat deep-fried, stir-fried and sauté meals, for which they have been using mustard oils for centuries. Moreover, mustard oil's fats do not break up while heating, preserving its natural fat content.  

6. Peanut oil

Peanut oil, also known as groundnut oil or Arachis oil, is derived from peanuts. The oil has a strong peanut flavor and aroma. It is often used in American, Chinese, South Asian, and Southeast Asian cuisine, both for general cooking and roasted oil, for added flavor.    In addition to the above health benefits, the shelf life is low as no preservatives are used. The seeds used for extraction are of the best quality, and thus the price is comparatively higher than refined oils as less oil is extracted. But compromising on health shouldn't be an option at all. What do you say?