Our idea of health and wellness has profoundly transformed in the modern era. People are increasingly more aware of how their lifestyle decisions affect their general wellbeing. As a result, there has been a rejuvenescence of interest in traditional food production and extraction methods, which are often regarded as more natural and wholesome.
Therefore, traditional and natural ways of extracting oils, including wood pressing, have come back into vogue. Before diving into the benefits and reasons behind its rising popularity, let us understand what wood-pressed oil means.
What Is Wood-Pressed Oil?
Wood-pressed oil is a type of oil that is extracted using a traditional wooden pestle. The process involves crushing the seeds or nuts and removing the oil through pressure exerted by a wooden pestle. This technique for extracting oil has been used for ages. It is renowned for maintaining the oil's inherent nutrients, tastes, and fragrances.
Now, let us look at its benefits.
Benefits Of Wood-Pressed Oils
It offers numerous health benefits due to the traditional extraction process and the retention of natural nutrients. Some of the key advantages include:
1. Retention Of Nutrients
The wooden pressing method ensures minimal heat generation during oil extraction, thereby preserving the essential nutrients in the seeds or nuts. This results in oils rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals.
2. Natural Flavour And Aroma
It maintains the natural flavours and aromas of the source component, enhancing the taste of dishes. The distinct flavours of wood-pressed oils can add depth and richness to various cuisines.
3. Heart-Healthy
Many wood-pressed oils, such as sesame and groundnut oil, include omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which are good for the heart. These fatty acids support cardiovascular health by lowering levels of harmful cholesterol.
4. Antioxidant-Rich
Antioxidants in them help protect against free radicals and lessen oxidative stress in the body. These antioxidants are essential for preserving general health and well-being.
Why Is Wood-Pressed Oil A Better Option?
These oils offer several advantages over other types available in the market. Here are a few reasons why wood-pressed oil is considered a better option:
1. No Chemical Additives
These are extracted without using chemicals or solvents, ensuring purity and eliminating the risk of harmful residues in the oil.
2. Lakdi-Ghani Method
The oil is extracted using a kohlu, which means the oil is extracted at low temperatures without causing any damage to the nutrients. This preserves the oil's natural goodness and nutritional value.
3. No Processing Or Refining
Wood-pressed oils are typically unrefined and unprocessed, making them a healthier choice than refined oils. The absence of refining processes helps retain the natural properties and nutrients of the oil.
Why Is Wood-Pressed Oil Gaining Popularity?
Its rising popularity can be attributed to several factors, as mentioned below:
1. Increasing Health Consciousness
Individuals are becoming more aware of how their eating choices affect their health. With their natural extraction styles and nutrient-rich profiles, Wood- pressed oils have surfaced as a healthier alternative to reused and refined oils. They're free from harmful chemicals and retain the natural goodness of the source ingredients, making them a healthy option for health-conscious individuals.
2. Superior Taste And Aroma
These are known for their distinct taste and aroma, which set them apart from processed oils. The extraction process helps retain the natural flavours and fragrances of the source constituents. The result is slicking with rich, authentic, and intense flavours that enhance the taste of various dishes. Culinary enthusiasts, professional chefs, and food connoisseurs appreciate the unique sensory experience of these oils, contributing to their rising popularity.
3. Nutritional Value
Lakdi-ghani oils are valued for their high nutritional content. The traditional extraction process ensures minimum heat generation, preserving the essential nutrients in the seeds or nuts. These are a great source of essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients crucial for a healthy lifestyle.
4. Traditional And Sustainable Practices
Its popularity can be attributed to the resurgence of traditional and sustainable practices. Wood pressing is an age-old system of oil extraction that has been practised for centuries. It involves using a wooden pestle to crush the seeds or nuts and extract the oil. This system resonates with individuals who value traditional and organic production ways. These align with the growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products by avoiding using chemicals and solvents.
5. Growing Availability
With the increasing demand for kohlu-pressed oils, more producers and brands are focusing on offering these oils to consumers. This availability and accessibility have contributed to the popularity of wood-pressed oils.
Summing Up
Wood-pressed edible essential oils and cooking oils have gained significant recognition due to their health benefits, natural extraction methods, and superior taste and aroma. With their nutrient-rich profiles, absence of chemicals, and traditional production techniques, these oils offer a healthier alternative to refined and processed oils. Its popularity will likely persist as individuals become more aware of their nutritional choices. Including these oils in your daily routine and cooking can be a beneficial step towards living a healthier and more environmentally friendly lifestyle.