Woodpressed oil is coming back into fashion as more and more people look for healthy and nature-based options for cooking and self-care. Using a traditional wooden press made at a slow pace is key to the production of this kind of oil. It preserves the oil, which results in pure and nutrient rich one.
What is woodpressed oil?
Oil from woodpressed method is extracted from groundnut/peanut, sesame coconut or mustard seeds which are pressed using a wooden press often referred to as chekku or ghani. The seeds are gently crushed at a low temperature so that the oil doesn’t get very hot. Without the use of high heat or harsh chemicals, the oil keeps its original flavor, aroma and nutrients. Simply put, woodpressed oil is a natural type of cooking oil which closely resembles the one our grandparents used in their kitchens.
Health benefits of woodpressed oil
Woodpressed oil is a good source of healthy fats, vitamins and antioxidants that contribute to one’s general wellness. Here are some major advantages:
Promotes cardiovascular health: Several woodpressed oils, for instance, groundnut or mustard, hold the right kind of fats which can help in controlling cholesterol levels, if consumed moderately.
Boost immunity: One of the great benefits of woodpressed oils is that they still contain vitamins and antioxidants which help the body fight free radicals and are a great first line of defense for the immune system.
Enhances digestive health: Traditional Ayurveda woodpressed oils are well known for their role in boosting digestion and providing vitamins such as A D E, and K in their fat-soluble forms.
Properties that fight inflammation: Several ingredients of woodpressed oils can reduce inflammation and help to make joint and muscle conditions better. These advantages of woodpressed oils compel us to make them a part of daily cooking (in the right proportion) in response to a well balanced diet.
Why woodpressed oil is better than refined oil
Refined oils are processed using very high heat and chemicals, then bleached and deodorized to look clear and have no smell. This process removes many natural nutrients and can create unhealthy compounds.
Woodpressed oil is different in several ways:
|
Feature |
Woodpressed oil |
Refined oil |
|
Extraction method |
Slow pressing using a wooden press |
High-speed machines with heat and chemicals |
|
Temperature |
Low temperature, usually below 40°C |
Very high temperature, often 60–90°C or more |
|
Nutrient retention |
High – keeps vitamins, antioxidants, and good fats |
Lower – many nutrients are lost |
|
Additives |
Usually free from chemicals and preservatives |
May contain added chemicals and anti-foaming agents |
|
Taste and aroma |
Natural, rich, seed-specific flavour |
Neutral or artificial taste and smell |
Because woodpressed oil is thicker and more flavorful, people often use a smaller quantity in cooking, which can also help reduce overall oil intake.
Everyday uses of woodpressed oil
Usage of woodpressed oil in everyday life Woodpressed oil is not just limited to the kitchen. In fact, it could be used for almost every aspect of life.
Cooking and frying: A large proportion of woodpressed oils have a smoke point that therefore matches Indian cooking methods like sauting, shallow frying, and tempering, so using them for your everyday meals would be a good choice. Body care: Natural oils such as woodpressed coconut or sesame oil can be very lightly massaged to skin to not only relieve dryness, but also to keep the skin soft.
Hair care: Oils like woodpressed coconut or mustard oil have been locally used for centuries to feed the scalp, stimulate the growth of hair, and keep dandruff away.
Home remedies: In numerous Indian families, these oils are employed for body massage, unwinding and occasionally for alleviating joint and muscle pains.
Therefore, woodpressed oil is a versatile product that contributes to health both internally and externally.
New reason to switch: better for the environment and farmers
One significant and recent advantage of woodpressed oils is the contribution they make towards protecting the environment and the welfare of local communities. The simplicity of traditional wood pressing requires less energy than large-scale industrial refineries and therefore, helps reduce the volume of pollution. Furthermore, numerous woodpressed oil manufacturers collaborate directly with farmers and rely on locally sourced seeds. That way they promote small-scale farming and the creation of jobs in rural areas. The decision to buy these oils is not a only about caring for your health but also an encouragement to the use of sustainable and ethical agricultural methods.
Why you should switch today
It’s a very simple step to change to woodpressed oil but, this small change can bring a large impact on your health and lifestyle in the long run. With this method, you get original taste, better nutrition and a product that is near nature and tradition at the same time. Initially, replace one or two meals a day cooked in regular refined oil with those cooked in woodpressed oil and then if it suits your taste and budget, make it your main cooking oil. When you opt for 100% naturally extracted woodpressed oil from trustworthy brands like Matrika Natural Foods, you are doing a favour to your heart, immune system, skin hair and the environment, in fact, all with just one simple change in your kitchen.