For decades, Indian kitchens have been flooded with advertisements promoting refined oils as the ultimate cooking medium. Brands have bombarded consumers with messages about how these oils are ‘light,’ ‘heart-friendly,’ or ‘fortified with vitamins.’ However, the truth about refined oils and their impact on health remains hidden beneath layers of marketing tactics. In contrast, the time-tested tradition of using cold-pressed oils—especially mustard oil and coconut oil—has been overlooked. It’s time to debunk the myths surrounding refined oils and understand why cold-pressed oils are the only real solution for Indian households.
The Myth of Refined Oils: Marketing vs. Reality
Refined oils go through extensive chemical processing, high-heat extraction, and bleaching to increase shelf life and remove natural odors. The refining process involves:
High-heat treatment that strips away essential nutrients and antioxidants.
Chemical solvents like hexane used to extract oil, which may leave residues harmful to health.
Deodorization and bleaching, which remove the oil’s natural aroma and color, making it an unnatural product.
While refined oils are marketed as ‘healthier’ alternatives, they often contain trans fats, oxidized compounds, and artificial additives that increase inflammation, contribute to heart disease, and disrupt metabolic functions.
The Hidden Danger: How Refined Oils Turn Poisonous After Heating
One of the biggest concerns with refined oils is that they become highly toxic when heated beyond their smoke point. During cooking, especially deep-frying, refined oils break down into toxic aldehydes and free radicals that have been linked to cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and heart conditions. Most refined oils have a smoke point of 220-230°C, but their unstable chemical composition causes them to degrade into harmful compounds at high temperatures.
In contrast, cold-pressed oils retain their natural stability and are far safer for cooking. Mustard oil has a smoke point of 250°C, while coconut oil has a smoke point of 177°C. These oils do not undergo industrial refining, ensuring that they do not produce dangerous trans fats or other harmful byproducts when heated.
Why Cold-Pressed Oils Are the Only Solution
Cold-pressed oils, also known as ‘kacchi ghani’ or ‘wood-pressed’ oils, are extracted using
traditional methods that preserve their natural nutrients, aroma, and medicinal properties. Here’s why cold-pressed mustard oil and coconut oil are a must-have in every Indian household:
1. Cold-Pressed Mustard Oil: The Golden Elixir for Indian Cooking
Rich in Monounsaturated & Polyunsaturated Fats: These healthy fats improve heart health and reduce bad cholesterol.
Natural Antimicrobial & Antifungal Properties: Mustard oil has been used for centuries as an immunity booster and to fight infections.
High in Omega-3 & Omega-6 Fatty Acids: Essential for brain function and reducing inflammation.
Improves Digestion: Its natural pungency stimulates appetite and enhances digestion, a must for Indian diets rich in spices.
No Artificial Chemicals: Unlike refined oils, mustard oil retains its natural antioxidants, which fight free radicals.
Higher Smoke Point (250°C): Making it a better choice for deep frying and high-temperature cooking.
2. Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil: The Superfood for Every Household
Packed with Medium-Chain Fatty Acids (MCFAs): These healthy fats provide instant energy, promote weight loss, and improve cognitive function.
Antibacterial & Antiviral Properties: Coconut oil naturally fights harmful microbes, making it an excellent choice for both cooking and medicinal use.
Boosts Immunity & Gut Health: Lauric acid, present in coconut oil, strengthens immunity and supports a healthy gut microbiome.
Excellent for Skin & Hair: Unlike refined oils, coconut oil nourishes the skin and scalp without any harmful additives.
Perfect for High-Heat Cooking (177°C Smoke Point): Unlike refined oils, coconut oil remains stable and does not produce harmful free radicals when heated.
Why Indians Must Return to Their Roots
Indians have traditionally relied on mustard and coconut oils for centuries, long before refined oils entered the market. Our ancestors enjoyed better immunity, heart health, and digestion because they consumed natural oils, free from industrial processing. With lifestyle diseases like diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disorders on the rise, it is crucial to go back to these natural alternatives.
- Choosing the Right Cold-Pressed Oil
- When buying cold-pressed oils, look for:
- 100% pure, unrefined, and wood-pressed varieties.
- Glass or steel packaging to prevent plastic contamination.
- No additives, artificial flavors, or preservatives.
- Trusted brands or local mills that use traditional extraction methods.
Conclusion: A Step Towards Health & Sustainability
The choice between refined and cold-pressed oils is not just about personal health but also about supporting sustainable farming and traditional extraction techniques. By switching to cold-pressed mustard and coconut oil, every Indian can take a step towards better health, richer flavors, and a toxin-free life—something no refined oil can ever offer.
For those looking for the best-quality cold-pressed oils, PureConnect Cold-Pressed Mustard and Coconut Oils are excellent choices. Made through traditional wood-press extraction, these oils retain their natural aroma, nutrients, and health benefits, making them the perfect addition to every Indian kitchen.