Directory Image
This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using our website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Why Should You Replace Refined Oils with Cold-Pressed Cooking Oils?

Author: David Swift
by David Swift
Posted: Feb 21, 2021

The most bitter truth of the Indian food industry is that adulteration can be found in everything. So automatically the word ‘refined’ sounds better to the ears of the consumers who are looking for quality products. In reality, they are getting confused between refined and pure.

These oils, extracted with heat or solvents, are very high in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and are unsuited to Indian cooking methods and for long term storage.

Refined oils were first introduced in the 1940s in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, but a real boom took place in the late 1970s. The reason behind that was extensive soybean cultivation in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra during that time.

Ever since then, these foreign companies have been using scientifically unsupportable anti-cholesterol and other health claims in their advertisements. And the demand for these oils exponentially increased among the Indian consumers.

In 2018 as mentioned in this article around 14.52 million tons of edible oil was imported to Indian Market in which the most popular among the consumers were Soyabean, Sunflower, and Palm oil.

Traditional Oils and Extraction Methods

Various types of oilseeds have been growing in India for thousands of years including mustard, rapeseed, groundnut, sesame, and coconut. In Ayurveda, sesame oil is considered the best as over 90% percent of Ayurvedic treatments use sesame oil as the base product. On the other hand mustard, groundnut and cold pressed coconut oil etc. are not only healthy but possess amazing medicinal properties too.

The traditional Indian oils have no chemicals, are stable non-drying or semi-drying oils which means they have a low tendency to oxidize in the light. In their natural form, they contain antioxidants not only prevent rancidity and reversion but also are very healthy for the body.

Traditionally, there are two types of oils consumed by Indians. First, is vegetable oil, also known as "Kachchi-Ghani oil obtained from crushing oilseeds — mustard in northern and eastern India; sesame and groundnut in Tamil Nadu; groundnut in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh; and coconut in Kerala. These oils are obtained using bullock driven cold presses called Kohlus. These days wooden oil extraction machines are used.

Traditional oils ready to make a coming back in India

There is no doubt that cold-pressing is the best method to extract oil as there is no use of heat or solvents to preserve essential antioxidants and fatty acids. Modern Indians are well-educated and know what is good for their body and what is not. A big role in this awareness goes to various local nutritionists who have encouraged their clients to use cold pressed mustard oil.

Moreover, Indian chefs are also suggesting the use of traditional wood-pressed oils while cooking. These virgin oils have a flavor and aroma which compliments all Indian foods and the spices well. People are also ready to get those forgotten flavors back into your food.

Using Cold-pressed oils and supporting farmers

Due to Heavy advertisements and spurious health claims, many imported refined oil companies have strengthened their roots in the Indian market. Thus, indigenous farmers are getting reduced prices for their mustard and sesame crops, production is also decreasing.

The reason we should be vocal for local is that regardless of multiple health benefits from cold-pressed cooking oils, we are also helping farmers to get the right price for their crops.

Hoping that all your doubts about refined oils and traditional Indian oils are clear now. Try not to headlessly follow the western culture and embrace the forgotten heritage that our ancestors have left for us.

About the Author

David Swift - A freelance blogger, social media manager and career enthusiast, belongs to the land of poets and thinkers - Germany.

Rate this Article
Leave a Comment
Author Thumbnail
I Agree:
Comment 
Pictures
Author: David Swift

David Swift

Member since: Aug 14, 2019
Published articles: 6

Related Articles