There are numerous oils to choose from when preparing a meal in today's modern society. Many seed and vegetable oils are available on the market, and even more methods for extracting oil from these foods. Until a few years back, such oils were extracted traditionally cold-pressed and wood-pressed. On the other hand, refined oils use cutting-edge techniques that are both quick and efficient, resulting in a greater yield with less effort. While refined oils are more popular, many people in our country still prefer using more conventional oils for cooking. Wood-pressed oils are the most frequent term. However, others can be used as well. Still, many people mistake these classic cooking oils for cold-pressed oils.
This article compares and contrasts wood-pressed and cold-pressed oils to help you make an informed decision. Explain what each of those is and how it differs from the others. Let's take a closer analysis of each of them individually.
Understanding Wood-Pressed Oil Extraction
In the modern world, cooking oil options are abundant, with a range of seed and vegetable-based oils available in the market. However, some still prefer traditional cooking oils extracted using low-temperature methods. Wood-pressed oil is a conventional oil that uses a wooden pestle to extract oil from seeds. The process involves crushing the seeds using a wooden grinder and collector, which keeps the temperature below 40 degrees.
The Nutritional Benefits of Wood-Pressed Oil
Wood-pressed oil has several health benefits as it is chemical-free and has low cholesterol levels. It helps to prevent heart disease, improves blood circulation, promotes healthy skin and hair growth, and is loaded with antioxidants that strengthen the jaw and avoid bleeding gums.
Wood-pressed oil, Image Source:Freepik
Understanding Cold-Pressed Oil Extraction
Cold-Pressed oil is a broad-spectrum term that covers various methods of oil extraction. While the wooden pestle is used for crushing the seeds in the extractor, the machine itself is made of steel or iron, and the process is done at a lower temperature, hence the name "cold-pressed." The extracted oil may contain some impurities and may not have the same high nutritional benefits as wood-pressed oil.
The Nutritional Benefits of Cold-Pressed Oil
Cold-pressed oil is free of added preservatives and chemicals, making it a healthier option. It is rich in essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins E, K, and C. It can eliminate cholesterol and reduce several health complications, including blood pressure levels and cognitive disorders like Alzheimer's and dementia. Additionally, it improves insulin sensitivity in diabetic patients.
The Difference Between Wood-Pressed and Cold-Pressed Oil
Despite their similarities, there is a difference between wood-pressed and cold-pressed oils. While the former is exclusively extracted using wooden pestles, the latter refers to a broad range of extraction mechanisms that produce a quality yield at low temperatures. However, Wood-pressed oil uses the cold-pressing method, making it a type of cold-pressed oil. All wood-pressed oils can be classified as cold-pressed, but not vice versa.
Cooking oil on a kitchen countertop, Image Source: Unsplash
Which is the Better Choice: Wood-Pressed or Cold-Pressed?
While both oils are healthier alternatives to modern refined oils, wood-pressed oil has several advantages over cold-pressed oil. It is extracted at lower temperatures and has a better taste due to the absence of reactions between the oil and wood. It is also free of additives, preservatives, and trans-fat, which can harm your health in the long run.
So, in the war between wood-pressed and cold-pressed oils, wood-pressed wins as the healthier option.