In a world of health conscious people, many individuals prefer to eat food that is made without any artificial or chemical substances.
When it comes to cooking oils, one such popular oil is the cold pressed groundnut oil. In the Indian kitchen, it has been a staple for many years.
So let's understand how it is made, how it can become your go-to for everyday uses, what makes it more popular, its benefits and side effects for individual wellness.
What exactly is cold pressed groundnut oil?
Cold pressed groundnut oil first appeared in ancient India. The extraction is carried out without the use of heat thus all natural aroma, flavour, health fats and goodness of the oil are preserved naturally.
Cold pressed groundnut oil is renowned across many regions for its nutty flavour and aroma.
Going into its making process, it is simply made by mechanically pressing the high-quality ground nuts and extracting oil without including any chemical process or heat.
Thus, high-quality oil is obtained which is packed with a wealth of nutrients that are beneficial for overall well-being.
Goodness of the cold pressed groundnut oil
Cold pressed groundnut oil is the power house of the nutrients, making it ideal for regular use. Below explains why it is widely used for many purposes:
Rich source of healthy fats: The cold pressed groundnut contains high levels of Polyunsaturated and Monounsaturated fats.
These fats are considered as good fats which significantly helps in lowering bad cholesterol level. Ultimately, leading to reduced risk of heart disease like stroke and heart attack.
Packed with antioxidants: It contains powerful antioxidants like resveratrol and Vitamin E. One tablespoon of cold pressed groundnut oil contains 2.12 mg of vitamin E.
Vitamin E acts as antioxidants which protect the body from the harmful effects of the free radicals and also helps in keeping the immune system strong.
Good for blood circulation: Vitamin E and healthy fats enhance blood flow as these compounds dilate the blood vessels ultimately leading to improved blood circulation.
Supports weight management: If taken into moderation, this oil can be effective in weight management.
Presence of monounsaturated fatty acids presented in this oil can help you feel satisfied thus reducing overeating.
Why choose cold pressed groundnut oil over refined oils?
In purchasing groundnut oil, one may find there are two types of oil available including cold pressed groundnut oil and refined groundnut oil.
So, it is essential to know the difference between these two before making any decision.
Cold pressed groundnut oil: The Making process of this oil involves low temperature thus it maintains all nutritional wellness, flavour and aroma in its natural form.
Basically, it is high quality oil packed with all beneficial properties for individual wellness.
Refined groundnut oil: This type of oil undergoes high heat and various chemical procedures in the oil refining process.
Thus it eliminates all beneficial compounds needed for the overall being. Although, it does contain some of the nutrients but not rich as cold pressed oil does.
Cold Pressed Groundnut Oil in Your Daily Wellness Routine
Cooking: Most people consume in its raw form due to its rich aroma and flavor but it can be also used in frying and light cooking. It is suitable for the variety of the dishes due to its mild flavour.
Salad dressing: Combined with vinegar or any citrous juice, groundnut oil can be used in salad dressing. Due to its nutty flavour, it enhances flavors of any dish.
Skin care routine: As groundnut oil is rich in vitamins it can be best used as a moisturizer which provides deep hydration and nourishes the skin from inside.
Diet supplement: Including it in food can lead to improved heart health and well being.
How to pick the best cold pressed groundnut oil?
But how can someone buy the best cold pressed groundnut oil?
So well, if you have thought of switching to groundnut oil and then before buying any cold pressed groundnut oil, it is essential to keep some important aspects in mind:
Look for chemical free oil: Before buying, one should be aware of the difference between oils available in the market.
There are many types of oils available in the market, depending upon its making process. So choose only those which are chemical free and rich with nutrients.
Choose quality: Make sure to buy from only those brands who are open about their making process and have obtained certificates for the quality of the oil they have.
Consider smoke point: Always check the smoke point of the oil. With a high smoke point, cold pressed groundnut oil is ideal for high heat cooking.
Check the oil’s packaging: It is essential to check oil’s packaging for preservation because if it is not stored and kept properly then its nutrients can be degraded shortly.
So, always look for cold pressed groundnut oil which is in glass and dark colour bottles.
Potential side effects
Although it provides many benefits, its use is not without potential side effects. Like every other oil, it is beneficial when taken into modest quantities.
Cold pressed ground nut oil contains high levels of omega 6s fatty acids and less omega 3s. SO in order to maintain balance of these fats, one should avoid using groundnut oils.
Cold pressed groundnut oil is safe to consume but in some cases it may cause allergy so it is recommended to try a small dose first.
Most of the cold pressed oil brands use chemical substances and preservatives to increase their shelf life. This can damage the nutrients as well as can also cause other adverse effects.
Wrap up: make the switch today
Cold pressed groundnut oil is the most nutrient-rich form of the oil with all the beneficial properties required for overall human wellness.
One can enjoy its benefits to the full extent, if used in its natural form. Including it into daily life uses can be a game-changer for health.
So if you are planning to purchase ground oil, then choose the best cold pressed groundnut oil as per your body needs and suitability.