People increasingly value nature, safety and health. So, woodpressed oil, which is a very old traditional oil, is making a strong comeback in modern kitchens. If you aim to protect your health and have tasty food simultaneously, an itinerary of using woodpressed oil can be a great and simple way of doing it.
What is woodpressed oil?
Wood-pressed oil is a type of oil pressed from seeds such as groundnut, sesame, coconut or mustard by crushing them with a wooden press (generally known as wooden ghani or chekku). This machine operates at a very slow pace and generates very little heat resulting in the oil being kept cool and maintaining all its natural properties. The oil in this case is not subjected to any harsh refining, bleaching or deodorising processes, hence woodpressed oil maintains its original colour, flavour and nutritional value. In a nutshell, it is a clean, unrefined oil made in the classic manner, the very one your grandparents would have been familiar with.
Benefits of woodpressed oil
Woodpressed oil contains an abundance of healthy fats, vitamins, and antioxidants – these are natural substances that combat diseases. Here are some of its significant benefits:
Support heart health: Woodpressed oils have healthy fats like monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) which if eaten in right amount, may increase HDL or good cholesterol and at the same time lower LDL or bad cholesterol.
Better digestion: Such oils are pure, without harmful chemicals, and therefore have little or no effect on the stomach and are easily digested by many people.
Build immunity: Woodpressed oil being a naturally antioxidant-rich product along with other nutrients fights cell damage and boosts the immune system.
Reduce inflammation: Most of the woodpressed oils contain anti-inflammatory agents that might come in handy in alleviating pain in the joints, swelling as well as other disorders.
Regular use of woodpressed oil along with a balanced diet and physical activity can bring about a change in your overall health gradually.
Better than refined oil: what’s the difference?
Highly processed oils are factory-made by using intense heat and chemicals, combined with multiple cleaning stages, to turn them clear and odourless. Most of the original nutrients are lost during this operation, and sometimes, toxic substances can develop.
Woodpressed oil is very different:
|
Point |
Woodpressed oil (traditional) |
Refined oil (factory-made) |
|
Process |
Slow wooden press, low heat, no harsh chemicals |
High heat, chemical solvents, bleaching, deodorizing |
|
Nutrients |
Keeps vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats |
Many natural nutrients reduced or removed |
|
Additives |
Usually free from preservatives and artificial agents |
May contain chemicals to improve look and shelf life |
|
Taste and smell |
Strong natural flavour and aroma of the seed |
Very light or no natural smell and taste |
|
Effect on digestion |
Often lighter on digestion and feels less heavy after eating |
Some people feel heaviness or discomfort after eating |
Because woodpressed oil has a strong natural taste, you often need to use less of it to get the same flavour in your food.
Everyday uses: in your kitchen and home
Woodpressed oil is not limited to use in the kitchen, it can also be a great addition to your day-to-day self-care.
Cooking Indian food: Woodpressed oil is a wonderful choice for tadka, vegetables sauting, preparing curries, and even light frying. It also depends on the oil variety you select.
Skin care: Woodpressed coconut or sesame oil can be a great skin moisturizers, allowing you to experience skin that is soft and smooth, especially when applied after a bath.
Hair care: In fact, woodpressed coconut or mustard oil is the most preferred oils for scalp massage as it is very effective in counteracting dryness, enhancing blood circulation, and encouraging hair strength.
Traditional practices: Oil pulling, a traditional practice with sesame or coconut oil can be a great support for oral hygiene and strengthening gums.
Therefore, woodpressed oil is not only just a kitchen product but a multi-use item that can support you from head to toe.
Strong bones and active lifestyle
One of the new and compelling benefits of woodpressed oil is that it helps in strengthening bones and leading an active life. Some woodpressed oils, notably coconut and groundnut oils, have healthful fats and antioxidants that play a role in minimising oxidative stress in the body. Reduced oxidative stress is indicative that the body can utilize calcium more efficiently and it plays a role in safeguarding bones and joints as one grows older.
One of the ways in which the body benefits from the healthy fats found in woodpressed oil is that they act as a vehicle for vitamin D and K which are important for bone strength and muscle function. Besides using woodpressed oil for preparing balanced meals, exercising regularly and getting sunlight exposure will help having more energy, being physically fit and not experiencing age-related stiffness.
Why you should switch today
Changing the oil in your car might be the least of your worries, but it could significantly impact the environment. A couple of times, switching from cooking with your usual refined oil to a wood-pressed oil will allow you to slowly reduce the amount of chemicals and increase naturally nutritious elements in your food.
Why not try simple dishes such as sabzi, dal tadka or paratha and enjoy the stronger and richer taste as well as the lighter feel afterwards. Pure, chemical-free wood-pressed oil from well-known brands like MatrIka Natural Foods will not only help your heart immunity, skin, hair, and bones but also bring back the time-honored knowledge into your modern kitchen.
