Why Your Cooking Oil Choice Matters
Cooking oil is more than a kitchen staple — it’s a daily health decision. Studies show that over 40% of Indians consume refined oil as their primary fat source, but awareness about cold-pressed alternatives has grown rapidly in recent years (FSSAI India Report, 2025).
Unlike refined oils, cold-pressed oils retain their natural antioxidants, vitamins E and K, and essential fatty acids, which play a key role in reducing inflammation and improving heart health.
What Is Cold-Pressed Oil?
Cold-pressing is a mechanical extraction method where oil is obtained by pressing seeds or nuts at temperatures below 50 °C.
This process avoids the use of chemical solvents or high heat, preserving the oil’s natural nutrients.
Common examples include:
- Cold Pressed Coconut Oil – rich in lauric acid and MCTs.
- Cold Pressed Groundnut Oil – high in monounsaturated fats.
- Cold Pressed Sesame Oil – a source of natural lignans and antioxidants.
A 2024 study from the Journal of Food Science & Technology India found that cold-pressed oils retain up to 90% of natural vitamin E content, compared with less than 30% in refined oils.
How Refined Oils Are Made — and What Gets Lost
Refined oils undergo multiple steps — bleaching, deodorizing, and chemical extraction using hexane — to improve shelf life and appearance.
While this gives a neutral taste, it destroys delicate phytonutrients and heat-sensitive compounds.
Refined oils also contain residual trans-fats (up to 0.5%) formed during hydrogenation, linked to cardiovascular risk (ICMR Dietary Guidelines, 2024).
| Property | Cold-Pressed Oil | Refined Oil |
|---|---|---|
| Extraction Method | Mechanical press | Chemical solvent + heat |
| Temperature | < 50 °C | > 200 °C |
| Nutrient Retention | High (Vit E, antioxidants) | Low |
| Shelf Life | Moderate | Long |
| Health Impact | Supports heart and skin health | May contain residual chemicals |
Focus on Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil
Among all varieties, cold-pressed coconut oil is one of the most researched. A 2023 study in Nutrients Journal reported that medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coconut oil enhance metabolism and improve lipid profiles when used in moderation. Its antimicrobial properties help maintain gut health and strengthen immunity — making it popular for both cooking and skincare.
To ensure purity, always check for labels such as “cold-pressed,” “unrefined,” and “chemical-free.”
Health Benefits of Cold-Pressed Oils
- Heart Health: Rich in HDL-boosting monounsaturated fats
- Antioxidant Protection: Retains tocopherols (Vit E) that fight oxidative stress.
- Better Digestion: Easier on the liver than chemically processed oils.
- Enhanced Flavor & Aroma: Natural taste that complements traditional Indian recipes.
According to the National Institute of Nutrition (2025), replacing refined oil with cold-pressed options can reduce LDL cholesterol levels by 10–12% over eight weeks.
Practical Tips for Consumers
- Use cold-pressed oils for low to medium heat cooking (up to 180 °C).
- Store in dark glass bottles to preserve antioxidants.
- Alternate between coconut, groundnut, and sesame oils for balanced fat intake.
- Avoid mixing cold-pressed and refined oils — it negates nutritional benefits.
The Ulamart Commitment
At Ulamart, every cold-pressed oil is extracted in small batches using traditional wood-press techniques.
Our oils are unrefined, chemical-free, and tested for purity, ensuring you get authentic flavor and maximum nutrition in every drop.
