Top 5 Myths About Cold-Pressed Oils – Busted!

If you have ever been through a grocery store aisle or scrolled on Instagram for wellness pages, you might be noticing the hype around the cold pressed oils. The question “Is cold pressed oil really healthy?” must have crossed your mind. Whether it’s an avocado toast or grandma’s cooking secrets, everyone can be seen talking about them. However, the buzz also becomes part of the confusion; some think they are half-truths, some believe they are marketing tactics.

Whatever way you think, the reality is you’re still not aware of the cold pressed oils. In this blog, we will explore cold pressed oil myths. Spoiler: It might surprise you and clear your confusion.

List of Cold pressed Oil Myths You Didn’t Know

Myth 1: Cold-Pressed Oils Are Always Raw

The Reality: Not exactly.

The process of cold pressing is to extract oil without harsh refining or high heat. This way, the nutrients are not harmed. But, here’s a fact you need to know: a little natural heat is still produced due to the friction during pressing. So, technically, not all cold pressed oils you use are 100% raw.

The good news? This mild warmth doesn’t destroy the nutrients. The end result is still much more natural and nutrient-rich compared to refined oil.

Myth 2: You Can’t Cook with Cold-Pressed Oils

The Reality: It depends on the oil.

This is one of the most common cold pressed oil myths. There are some oils, like flaxseed and walnut, for example, that have a low smoke point and will not work for frying. Other oils such as coconut oil, sesame oil, and avocado oil can work for medium heat to high heat cooking.

Here’s a quick table to make life easier:

Myth 3: The Benefits of Cold Pressed Oil Are the Same

The Reality: Every oil is unique.

When it comes to oils, it is easy to think that all cold pressed oils are the same. But the cold pressed oil facts are that all of them are different. It depends on the seed, nut, or fruit, which tells about the nutritional value.

1. Olive oil is high in monounsaturated fat, which is good for your heart.
2. Coconut oil is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), and is a healthy source of instant energy for the body.
3. Flaxseed oil will provide you with omega-3 fatty acids that are good for brain and heart health.

If you are asking, "Is cold pressed oil really healthy than refined oil?", then absolutely yes! Just because all oils don't have the same nutritional value does not mean that they won’t help you achieve your nutrition goals. Make sure that you are selecting an oil based on your health goal.

Myth 4: Cold-Pressed Oils Last Forever

The Reality: They’re fresh – but not forever.

Another one in the list of “cold pressed oil facts”; you believed all these years, isn’t true. Oils are as close to nature as cold-pressed oils are, but they also likely spoil or go rancid much faster if improperly stored and cared for, compared to highly processed, bleached oils.

1. Put them in a cool, dark spot.
2. Always store with the lid on tightly.
3. The fridge is the best option for delicate or light oils, like flaxseed oil.

Myth 5: Cold-Pressed Oils Are Lower in Calories

The Reality: A calorie is still a calorie.

Between the question of cold pressed oil vs refined oil based on calories, neither wins the competition. Whether it’s one tablespoon of cold pressed oil or refined oil, they have approximately the same amount of 120 calories per tablespoon. The distinction between the oils is quality, not calories.

However, the benefits of cold pressed oil are more than refined oil, but it is not going to make calories disappear.

Cold-Pressed Oil Facts vs Myths

Final Thoughts

Cold-pressed oils are not merely a fad; they are truly better for your body when consumed mindfully and applied properly. Thanks to the cold pressed oil myths busted here, you're now aware of the truths about cold-pressed oils as well as the myths.

So when someone says cold pressed oil cannot be used for cooking, or cold-pressed oil somehow magically takes away calories, you can simply say, "That's just another myth!"

FAQs

1. Is cold pressed oil really healthy?

Yes! They are more likely to give your body nutrients than refined oil. They contain more minerals, nutrients, and antioxidants than refined oil. However, one should take them in moderation since they too have calorie value.

2. What are the cold pressed oil disadvantages?

The main disadvantages of cold-pressed oils include:

1. They don't last as long as refined oils.
2. They are significantly more expensive than refined oils.
3. They may not be suitable for high heat cooking.

3. Cold pressed oil vs refined oil - which is better?

Cold pressed oil is better as it pertains to nutrition, flavour, and health/natural health! Refined oils do have a longer shelf life and higher smoke point than cold pressed oils, but they lose a lot of nutrition in refinement.