Why You Should Switch to Wood-Pressed Oils for a Healthier Lifestyle

In recent years, it is seen that there has been a growing awareness about healthy eating and natural living due to the stress & lifestyle of people. As people become more conscious of the food they consume, one traditional method of oil extraction has made a significant comeback: wood-pressed oils. These oils, extracted using age-old traditional techniques, are packed with nutritional benefits and can be the magical touch for your overall well-being. But what exactly are wood-pressed oils, and why should you consider using them? Let’s see.

To get to the point WhyWood pressed oils first we need to know - What Are Wood-Pressed Oils?
Wood-pressed oils are extracted using a wooden pestle and a traditional oil press, a method that dates back centuries. This technique involves crushing oil seeds (like sesame, coconut, or groundnut) at low temperatures to ensure that the nutrients and natural flavours are preserved. The process is manual and labourintensive, and the wood pestle absorbs any increase in temperature. They are also called also known as cold-pressed or Chekku oils.
Unlike refined oils, which are processed with chemicals and heat, wood-pressed oils retain their raw, unprocessed form, keeping all the goodness intact.

Now coming to the main question – Why Should You Choose Wood-Pressed Oils?
Below are some compelling reasons that will make you switch to wood-pressed oils for your cooking and overall lifestyle:
1. Rich in Nutrients : One of the biggest advantages of wood-pressed oils is that they are nutrientdense. The traditional extraction method preserves essential nutrients like vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats. This makes them far superior to refined oils, which lose most of their nutrients during the heating and chemical processing stages.
For example, - wood-pressed coconut oil is rich in medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) and antioxidants, which are excellent for heart health, digestion, and immune support. MCFAs - a group of fatty acids that have 6 to 12 carbon atoms (this combination is called MCTs – medium chain triglycerides)
*To look into the benefits of MCTs is a topic for another blog. Soon….
- wood-pressed sesame oil is loaded with vitamin E and phytosterols, which help reduce cholesterol and improve skin health.

2. No Chemicals or Preservatives : Refined oils often undergo several processes involving chemicals like hexane (Hexane is a colourless, flammable liquid with a gasoline-like odour that can have a number of negative effects on the body) to increase yield and shelf life. These chemicals can leave residues in the oil, which may not be ideal for long-term health. *We will surely cover details about Hexane in a different blog….. On the other hand, wood-pressed oils are completely natural and free from any additives or preservatives, ensuring you get pure, clean oil for cooking and consumption.

3. Low Heat Extraction Retains Healthy Fats : Refined oil extraction is a process done at high temperatures. Why high temperatures? Well simple to get the maximum output from the seeds. This is what makes it cheaper but is it healthy?? Unlike refined oils that are exposed to high temperatures during extraction, wood-pressed oils are processed at room temperature or slightly warmer conditions. This helps retain the oil’s natural healthy fats, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for brain function, heart health, and reducing inflammation in the body.

4. Better Flavors and Aroma : Wood-pressed oils are known for their rich, earthy flavours and aromas, which can elevate your dishes to a whole new level. Whether you’re drizzling it on salads, using it for sautéing vegetables, or even baking, these oils add a depth of flavour that refined oils simply cannot match. Since the oils are minimally processed & are in their most natural transformation, they retain the essence of the original seed or nut, giving your food a fresh and authentic taste.

5. Supports Traditional and Sustainable Practices : Switching to wood-pressed oils is not just beneficial for your health, but also for the environment and local economies. The extraction process is a traditional practice that supports small-scale farmers and local artisans who use age-old techniques to produce the oil. Moreover, the process is sustainable as it requires less energy and fewer resources compared to industrial refining.

6. Improves Digestive Health : Wood-pressed oils are easier to digest because they retain natural enzymes that aid in digestion. They are less/minimalist processed, contain no harmful chemicals, and maintain their natural fibre content, making them a great option for those with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues or even for the ageing population (as we all know ageing increases digestion issues….wink wink)

7. Beneficial for Skin and Hair : Many wood-pressed oils like coconut, mustard and sesame oils, are excellent for skin and hair care.
-Rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, they nourish the skin, keep it hydrated, and reduce signs of aging (reduces fine lines, improves elasticity)
-Moisturises the skin helping to reduce dryness.
-When applied to hair, these oils can strengthen roots, reduce dandruff, and improve overall scalp health. The absence of chemicals and additives makes them safe for topical use, providing long-term benefits.

Common Types of Wood-Pressed Oils
Now that we know the benefits, let’s look at some of the commonly used woodpressed oils:

·Wood-Pressed Coconut Oil: Known for its moisturizing properties, this oil is excellent for cooking and skin care. It has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making it beneficial for your body inside out.

·Wood-Pressed Sesame Oil: Popular in traditional Ayurvedic practices, sesame oil is rich in antioxidants and vitamin E. It’s great for heart health and is also used for body massages due to its warming properties.

·Wood-Pressed Groundnut Oil: A great choice for high-heat cooking, this oil is loaded with unsaturated fats and phytosterols that help reduce cholesterol levels and boost heart health. These are majorly used in western regions.

·Wood-Pressed Mustard Oil: Common in Indian kitchens in top portion of the country, mustard oil is known for its pungent flavour and numerous health benefits. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and is excellent for digestion and cardiovascular health.

How to Incorporate Wood-Pressed Oils Into Your Diet
Incorporating wood-pressed oils into your diet is easy! You can use them in:
Cooking: Use them for sautéing, stir-frying, and shallow frying to preserve their nutrients.
Salad Dressings: Add a spoonful of wood-pressed oil to your salads for an extra boost of flavour and nutrition.
Baking: Replace refined oils or butter with wood-pressed oils in your baking recipes for a healthier alternative.
Pickling: Every region in India loves its pickles. Wood-pressed oils will add to the flavour of the never ending love for pickles.

Final Thoughts:

There is a saying – “Your body is our temple”
We nourish our body with good nutritious food. If the food is adulterated in the wrong oil (without nutrients, induced with chemicals & deodorisers) how is it still healthy?
With health benefits that span across improved digestion, enhanced nutrition, and even skincare, Wood-Pressed oils are a simple yet powerful way to improve your overall well-being. By switching from refined oils to these traditional, nutrient-rich options, you’re making a conscious choice that supports both your body and the environment. So, the next time you’re in the kitchen, reach for wood-pressed oil and experience the difference it can make in your life!
Are you ready to make the switch? Your body—and the planet—will Thank You!