Cold Pressed Oil vs Refined Oil — Which is Actually Healthier?
Walk into any Indian grocery store and you will find dozens of cooking oil options. This article breaks down the key differences so you can make the best decision for your family.
How is Refined Oil Made?
Most popular cooking oils in India go through a multi-step industrial refining process:
- Solvent Extraction: Raw seeds/nuts are mixed with a chemical solvent (usually hexane) to extract maximum oil
- Degumming: Phospholipids are removed
- Neutralization: Acid and alkali remove free fatty acids
- Bleaching: Clay or charcoal removes color pigments
- Deodorizing: Steam at 200–250°C removes natural smells
The result: a pale, odorless oil. But look at what was destroyed — natural vitamins, antioxidants, nutrients, and flavor.
How is Cold Pressed Oil Made?
Cold pressed oil is made the traditional way: quality peanuts are slowly pressed below 40–45°C through mechanical pressure. The oil is filtered and bottled — nothing added, nothing removed. This simple, ancient method preserves everything good in the oil.
Cold Pressed vs Refined Oil — Direct Comparison
| Nutrient/Feature | Cold Pressed | Refined |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin E | ✅ Naturally present | ❌ Mostly destroyed |
| Antioxidants | ✅ Preserved | ❌ Removed |
| Chemical residues | ❌ None | ⚠️ Possible traces |
| Natural aroma | ✅ Rich and authentic | ❌ Completely removed |
Common Myths About Refined Oil — Busted
"Refined oil is lighter and healthier"
❌ Myth. "Light" refers to color and flavor, NOT calories. All oils have roughly the same calorie count per tablespoon (~120 calories).
"Cold pressed oil is not suitable for high-heat cooking"
❌ Mostly a myth. Cold pressed groundnut oil has a high smoke point (160°C+) and is excellent for frying and tempering.
About Amrutam Ground Nut Oil
Amrutam Ground Nut Oil is traditionally wood pressed, chemical-free, and made for families who care about what goes into their food. Available in 1 KG, 5 KG, and 15 KG sizes.
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FAQ
Is cold pressed oil better for heart health than refined oil?
Yes. Cold pressed oil retains natural monounsaturated fats and antioxidants like Vitamin E — all of which support heart health.
Does cold pressed oil smell stronger than refined oil?
Yes — and that is a good thing! The aroma is a sign that the natural compounds are intact and food will taste more delicious.
Conclusion
The choice is really between nutrition and convenience. Cold pressed oil is what your body actually needs — pure, natural, and full of the goodness that nature put in those peanuts. Try Amrutam Cold Pressed Groundnut Oil — 100% pure, traditionally wood pressed.
Try Amrutam Cold Pressed Groundnut Oil
100% pure, chemical-free, and cold pressed in modern low-temperature machines. Available in 1 KG, 5 KG, and 15 KG packs.