If you hail from the Kumaon Hills, you’ll know that oil extraction in the quiet villages here isn’t rushed. Instead, the seeds are slowly crushed, without heat or chemicals. This helps the seeds to retain nourishment naturally. Himalayan households have been using cold-pressed oils for everyday cooking, massage, and healing, even before clean eating and minimalism became trends.

Consumers in today’s world have become conscious about what they eat and what they apply to their skin, increasing the popularity of cold-pressed oils. These oils are backed by science and rooted in tradition, proving that one ingredient can offer multiple benefits, whether it is for food, skin, or overall wellness.

In this blog, we have discussed the benefits of cold-pressed oils for food and skin.

But first, let’s discuss-

What are Cold-Pressed Oils?

Cold-pressed oils are extracted by crushing oilseeds mechanically at low temperatures, typically below 45-50°C. Unlike industrial oil production, this process avoids external heat, chemical solvents, and refining agents.

While refined oils undergo bleaching, deodorizing, and high-temperature treatment, cold-pressed oils retain their natural aroma, color, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids. Food science studies show that high heat during refining can destroy up to 30-40% of natural antioxidants and vitamin E present in oils.

In short, cold-pressed oils retain their original nutritional profile, making them a cleaner and more functional everyday use oil.

Why are Cold-Pressed Oils Nutritionally Superior?

Rich in Healthy Fats:

Cold-pressed oils are known to support heart health, as they are naturally high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (MUFA & PUFA). The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that diets rich in these fats may improve cholesterol balance and reduce cardiovascular risk.

Natural Antioxidants and Vitamin E:

Cold-pressed oils retain tocopherols (vitamin E), polyphenols, and phytosterols. These compounds help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. Vitamin E plays a significant role in skin repair and immune function.

Free from Chemical Residues:

Cold-pressed oils do not have residue contamination as they do not use hexane or chemical solvents. This makes the oils safer for long-term consumption and topical use.

Health Benefits of Cold-Pressed Oils in Daily Cooking

Supports Heart Health:

Cold-pressed oils, such as groundnut, mustard, and sesame oils, contain beneficial fatty acid profiles. They help manage LDL (bad cholesterol) while supporting HDL (good cholesterol) when used in moderation.

Aids Digestion:

In the past, traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda) has utilized cold-pressed oils to stimulate digestive activity in such a way that they don't add pressure on the gastrointestinal system. In addition, cold-pressed oils have natural enzymes and fats that are unrefined, thus leading to easy metabolism as compared to highly refined oils.

Reduces Inflammation:

Cold-pressed oils maintain the natural ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These fats help regulate and control inflammation of joints and regulate immune response and metabolism.

Better Satiety and Nutrient Absorption:

Having healthy fats in your diet helps improve the way people absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E & K) from foods. This makes the meal greater in nutritional value for those consuming it.

Cold-Pressed Oils as Natural Skincare: From Your Kitchen to Your Skin

Anything that nourishes your body internally benefits your skin externally. Cold-pressed oils are a perfect example. Here’s how:

Deep Moisturization:

Cold-pressed oils reduce moisture loss, as they form a protective barrier on the skin. Oils like sesame and coconut are rich in linoleic and oleic acids, helping strengthen the skin barrier.

Natural Antioxidant Protection:

Pollution and UV exposure are major contributors to premature ageing. Vitamin E and polyphenols in cold-pressed oils help fight these free radicals.

Gentle and Skin-Friendly:

Cold-pressed oils are free from synthetic fragrances and chemicals, suitable for sensitive skin. They are commonly used for face massage, body oiling, and scalp care.

Supports Skin Repair:

Fatty acids in cold-pressed oils help in cell regeneration. This makes them effective for dry patches, mild irritation, and maintaining overall skin elasticity.

Popular Cold-Pressed Oils in Indian Kitchens

Each cold-pressed oil has its own culinary and wellness identity.

Cold-Pressed Mustard Oil:

Mustard oil contains allyl isothiocyanate, known for its antimicrobial properties. It is ideal for sauteing and traditional tadkas when used correctly.

Cold-Pressed Groundnut Oil:

Groundnut oil is high in MUFAs and vitamin E. It is ideal for everyday cooking and supports heart health when consumed in balanced quantities.

Cold-Pressed Sesame Oil:

Used primarily in South Indian cuisine, sesame oil contains sesamol and sesamin. These antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress and skin damage.

Cold-Pressed Sunflower Oil:

Ideal for low-heat cooking and salad dressings, this oil is light and rich in vitamin E.

How to Choose and Store Cold-Pressed Oils?

Authenticity is paramount when choosing cold-pressed oils.

Choose oils that are labelled cold-pressed or Kachi Ghani, as they have a natural aroma and slightly darker color. They may have minimal sediments, indicating less processing.

Ideally, you should store cold-pressed oils in a cool, dark place, preferably in airtight glass bottles. Since cold-pressed oils are unrefined, they usually have a shelf life of 6-12 months. For maximum nutritional benefits, make sure you use them fresh.

Conclusion: One Ingredient, Endless Benefits

Cold-pressed oils illustrate the strength of simplicity. They can enhance the flavor of food, promote a healthy heart, and provide natural skin nutrients, bringing together the elements of tradition, science, and everyday health in one product.

Whether it is from the Kumaon hills or your kitchen shelf, cold-pressed oils are more than just a cooking medium. They highlight mindful living.

Visit Zaika on your next trip to Nainital and explore our range to shop for the best cold-pressed oils today.

FAQs

Can I use the same cold-pressed oil for cooking and skincare?

Yes, high-quality cold-pressed oils are safe for culinary and topical use. However, ensure they are pure and stored correctly.

Are cold-pressed oils suitable for daily Indian cooking?

Absolutely. Make sure you use it within its smoke point and in moderation.

Why do cold-pressed oils smell stronger than refined oils?

The natural aroma of cold-pressed oils comes from preserved compounds that are stripped away during refining. This is a sign of authenticity and not spoilage.

Are cold-pressed oils good for sensitive skin?

Yes, cold-pressed oils are gentler on sensitive or dry skin as they are free from chemicals and synthetic additives.

Do cold-pressed oils help with aging skin?

Their antioxidant content, especially vitamin E and polyphenols, helps combat oxidative stress, a key contributor to premature ageing.