Cold Pressed vs Refined Oils – Healthier Choice Explained

🔹 Introduction – Why This Comparison Matters More Than Ever

In today’s world of wellness and conscious consumption, what you cook with matters just as much as what you eat. The type of oil you use daily has a profound impact on your health. Cold-pressed oils have rapidly become a natural, nutrient-rich alternative to highly processed, refined oils.

But what sets these two apart? Is the shift to cold-pressed another trend, or is it rooted in science and tradition? Let’s uncover the facts and bust some myths while we're at it.

🔹 What Are Cold Pressed Oils?

Cold pressed oils are extracted using a mechanical pressing method that doesn’t involve heat or chemicals. Typically, this process involves slowly crushing oil-bearing seeds like coconut, mustard, sunflower, or groundnut at temperatures below 50°C to retain their natural nutrients.

This traditional technique, often referred to as wood pressing or hydraulic pressing, ensures the oil maintains its original aroma, flavor, and beneficial properties like antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids.

At Sanch, our cold-pressed oils are made with care and are free from chemicals, preservatives, and synthetic additives. Their purity is something you can taste and trust.

🔹 What Are Refined Oils?

Refined oils undergo a complex industrial process, including high heat, pressure, and chemical solvents such as hexane, to extract oil from seeds. The oil is then subjected to multiple stages, such as bleaching, deodorizing, and neutralizing, to improve shelf life, color, and clarity.

This intensive processing strips away most of the natural nutrients, leaving behind a product that’s visually appealing but nutritionally deficient. Even worse, refined oils may retain chemical residues and generate trans fats and free radicals during high-temperature processing—substances that have been linked to various chronic diseases.

🔗 Source: NCBI Study on Health Risks of Refined Oils

🔹 Nutritional Comparison of Cold Pressed and Refined Oils

When it comes to nutrition, cold-pressed oils are significantly superior. Because they’re extracted without high heat or chemicals, they retain essential nutrients like Vitamin E, PUFAs, MUFAs, and natural antioxidants.

According to Healthline, refined oils lose up to 80% of their antioxidant content, making them far less beneficial for heart health and cellular repair.

In essence, cold-pressed oils nourish the body, while refined oils provide only empty calories.

🔹 Harmful Effects of Refined Oils on Health

The glossy appearance of refined oils masks a dangerous reality. Regular consumption has been linked to:

• Inflammation
• Atherosclerosis
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Cancer

A PubMed study showed that heating refined oils repeatedly increases toxic aldehydes, damaging DNA and leading to oxidative stress.

🔹 Benefits of Using Cold Pressed Oils

Cold pressed oils are more than a culinary trend—they’re a lifestyle upgrade:

• ✅ Boosts immunity with vitamins and antioxidants
• ✅ Heart-friendly fats like Omega-3 and Omega-6
• ✅ Supports digestion & nutrient absorption
• ✅ Hormonal balance without endocrine disruptors
• ✅ Nourishes skin & hair when applied topically

🔗 Source: Times of India article

🔹 Types of Cold Pressed Oils Offered by Sanch Farms

At Sanch Farms, our diverse range of cold pressed oils is crafted with love, tradition, and care. Each variety is extracted without heat or chemicals, preserving aroma, nutrition, and medicinal value.

• Cold-Pressed Black & Yellow Mustard Oil: Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, it supports        digestion and heart health.
• Cold-Pressed Groundnut Oil: Rich in vitamin E and monounsaturated fats, it is great for           frying and baking.
• Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil: Supports metabolism and is perfect for cooking and skin/hair           care.
• Cold-Pressed Sesame Oil: It is high in antioxidants and supports heart health and                      Ayurvedic rituals.
• Cold Pressed Sunflower Oil: Rich in vitamin E, ideal for immune and skin support.
  
  

🔹 Cold Cold-pressed oils and Sustainable Living

Cold-pressed oils nourish your body and protect the planet. Unlike refined oils, which use high-energy industrial methods and chemical waste, cold-pressed oils use low-energy, traditional techniques.

At Sanch Farms, we work directly with local Indian farmers practicing sustainable agriculture. Our packaging is sustainable; we use glass bottles and recyclable plastic. Choosing Sanch means supporting clean nutrition, small farmers, and a healthier earth.

🔹 Myths Around Cold Pressed Oils

Let’s bust some common misconceptions:

Myth: Cold-pressed oils can’t handle heat.
Truth: Oils like groundnut, mustard, sesame and coconut have high smoke points, perfect for Indian cooking.
Myth: They spoil quickly.
Truth: When stored in glass bottles away from sunlight, they remain fresh for 12 months.
Myth: They’re too expensive.
Truth: You’re paying for chemical-free, nutrient-rich oil with single seeds. On average, 2.5 kgs of seeds extract 1 litre of oil.

🔹 How to Identify Genuine Cold-Pressed Oils


Not all oils labeled “cold pressed” are truly pure. Here’s how to tell:

• Check for texture and aroma
• Read the label, and check the ingredients – only one seed/nut should be listed.
• Prefer oils in glass bottles to avoid plastic leaching.
• Trust brands like Sanch Farms, which provide transparency and traceability.
• Send some samples of your oil to NABL-certified labs for surprise checks :)
  
  
  🔚 Conclusion
  

In a world full of shortcuts and chemicals, choosing cold-pressed oils is a powerful move toward long-term health. Refined oils may be cheap, but they cost you your well-being.

Switch to cold-pressed oils from Sanch, crafted with care, tradition, and purity. Every drop supports your body, your family, and your planet.

🔹 FAQs

1. Can I use cold-pressed oils for high-heat cooking?
Yes! Mustard, sesame, groundnut, and coconut oils from Sanch are heat-stable and great for Indian cooking.

2. What’s the shelf life of cold-pressed oils?
12 months when stored in a cool, dark place in glass bottles.

3. Is there a taste difference between cold-pressed and refined oils?
Cold-pressed oils definitely have their natural aroma and flavor, enhancing your dishes. You can spot the difference through the texture as well.

4. How is Sanch different from other oil brands?
Sanch uses traditional methods, works with farmers, and guarantees chemical-free purity.

5. Can I use cold-pressed oils on my skin and hair?
Yes, they are 100% natural and perfect for topical use.