Questions
Wood-pressed oils are natural, unrefined oils extracted using a traditional method involving a wooden churner, also known as a "Ghani" or "Chekku." This age-old technique has been used for centuries to extract oil from seeds, nuts, or kernels, and it's gaining popularity again due to its numerous health benefits. They are chemical free, pure & unrefined, nutrient-rich, & rich in flavour & aroma. In short - wood-pressed oils are a healthier, more natural alternative to refined oils, providing a range of health benefits while retaining their authentic flavour and aroma.
Cold-pressed oils are natural oils extracted from seeds, nuts, or fruits using a mechanical pressing method at low temperatures. This extraction process ensures that the oils retain their natural nutrients, flavour, and aroma, making them a healthier alternative to refined oils.
No. They both are a better oil as compared to refined oils for daily use but not the same due to the process of extraction.
Absolutely not. Not all cooking oils are the same. Cooking oils differ significantly in terms of their extraction methods, nutritional content, flavour, smoke point, and how they affect health.
Zoukfarms Wood pressed oil is produced using superior quality seeds where oil is extracted by slowly pressing the seeds in a wooden ghani/ Kolhu which preserves the nutrients of the oil. The process is completely chemical & impurities free.
Refined oils are considered harmful for several reasons, primarily due to the processing methods used, their impact on health, and the presence of unhealthy additives. Due to high heat process the oil is lefi with little to no nutritional value compared to unrefined oils. Formation of harmful compounds like trans fats linked to heart disease, inflammation & other health issues. To improve the oil's appearance, taste, and shelf life, refined oils are ofien bleached, deodorized, and treated with chemicals. Preservatives like - BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) and BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) are added leading to potential health risk like hormone disruption and carcinogenic effects. High omega-6 content, loss of natural flavour & aroma, oxidative damage - leading to accelerated aging etc. are the other reasons.
Refined oils are extracted using high heat and chemical solvents, such as hexane, which strip away the natural nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants found in the oil. This process leaves the oil with little to no nutritional value compared to unrefined oils.
Trans fats are a type of unhealthy fat that can be harmful to your health. They are formed when liquid oils are processed to become more solid, a process known as hydrogenation.
Trans fats are found in Processed and Packaged Foods, Fried Foods, Margarine and Shortening, Snack Foods (like chips).
Trans fats are harmful because they - Increase Bad Cholesterol (LDL), Lower Good Cholesterol (HDL), Increase Inflammation & Contribute to Insulin Resistance (causing chronic conditions like - heart disease, diabetes & arthritis).
Hexane is a colorless, flammable liquid hydrocarbon that is commonly used as a solvent in various industrial and commercial applications. Refined oils often undergo several processes involving chemicals like hexane.
Hexane is widely used in the food industry to extract refined vegetable oils from seeds and nuts. It acts as a solvent that helps separate the oil from the seed, making the extraction process more efficient and cost-effective. Hence making refined oils cheaper.
Yes, many people experience bloating and digestive discomfort afier consuming food cooked in refined oils. There are a few reasons why:
High Levels of Omega-6 Fatty Acids - While omega-6 is essential for the body, excessive consumption can lead to an imbalance with omega-3 fatty acids, cause inflammation - leading to digestive issues (eg - bloating, gas, and stomach discomfort.)
Presence of Additives and Chemicals - Refined oil process includes adding of chemicals & additives - causes digestive irritation, leading to bloating, especially in individuals with sensitive digestive systems.
Trans Fats Formation
Poor Digestibility
Overheating and Oxidation - When refined oils are cooked on high heat - it oxidizes & produces harmful compunds that irritate the stomach lining.
MUFA (Monounsaturated Fatty Acids) and PUFA (Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids) are two types of unsaturated fats that are considered beneficial for health. MUFAs and PUFAs are healthy fats that offer numerous health benefits, especially for heart health, brain function, and inflammation control.
MUFA - lowers the risk of heart disease, beneficial for weight management, help manage blood sugar levels
PUFA - reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels, are crucial for brain health and cognitive function, and they support normal growth and development, reduce the risk of chronic diseases like arthritis, have anti inflammatory properties.
The 5 main Indian Wood pressed cooking oils are -
- Mustard oil (black & yellow)
- Coconut oil
- Groundnut oil
- Sesame oil
- Sunflower oil
| Aspect | Wood-Pressed Oils | Cold-Pressed Oils |
|---|---|---|
| Extraction Method | Extracted using a traditional wooden churner or "Ghani." Seeds or nuts are slowly crushed by a wooden pestle, generating minimal heat. | Extracted using a hydraulic press or stainless-steel press. The process uses pressure but maintains a temperature below 120°F (49°C). |
| Speed of Extraction | Slow extraction due to the manual, traditional process, resulting in minimal heat generation. | Faster extraction compared to wood- pressing, though still controlled to keep temperatures low. |
| Heat Generation | Generates very little heat due to the slower speed and wooden mechanism, preserving more nutrients. | Slightly more heat may be generated, but it’s still kept low to retain nutrients. |
| Flavour and Aroma | Retains a stronger, richer, and more authentic flavour and aroma due to the wooden pressing method. | Has a natural flavour and aroma, but it may be milder compared to wood-pressed oils. |
| Nutrient Retention | Preserves nutrients exceptionally well, as the wooden process prevents any reaction with the oil. | Retains nutrients effectively but may lose a small amount due to slight heat generated by the metal pressing process. |
| Traditional vs. Modern | A more traditional, age- old technique that has been used for centuries. | A relatively modern technique that uses contemporary machinery. |
| Material Used | Wooden churner (Ghani) ensures no chemical reaction with the oil. | Stainless steel or hydraulic press, which can cause slight friction and heat. |