Cold Pressed Oils Through Generations: What Your Grandmother Got Right
Cold Pressed Oils Through Generations: What Your Grandmother Got Right
Cold pressed oils have been a staple in Indian households for generations — long before the word "organic" became a trend. These traditionally extracted oils are not just a fad but a return to our roots. In this article, we explore how your grandmother’s oil choices were backed by wisdom, health, and tradition, and why it’s time to bring them back into your kitchen.
Why Your Grandmother Chose Cold Pressed Oils
Your grandmother didn’t fall for modern refined oils or artificial flavors. She trusted wood-pressed oils because she saw their benefits firsthand — from shiny hair and glowing skin to strong immunity. These oils were pure, unprocessed, and packed with nutrients.
Common Traditional Oils Used in Indian Kitchens
- Groundnut Oil – Ideal for deep frying and general cooking.
- Coconut Oil – Common in South Indian cuisine and skincare rituals.
- Sesame Oil – Used in pickles, oil pulling, and winter foods.
- Mustard Oil – Known for its pungent aroma and heating properties, perfect for North Indian cooking.
What Science Now Confirms
Modern research shows that cold pressed oils retain antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids that are often lost in refined oil processing. These nutrients contribute to heart health, better digestion, and stronger immunity—exactly what our ancestors thrived on.
From Bullock-Driven Presses to Wooden Chekku Units
In earlier times, oil was extracted using wooden presses (called chekku or ghani) operated by bulls or manually. This slow, friction-free process kept the temperature low and nutrition high. Today’s modern wooden cold-pressed oil mills follow similar principles with enhanced hygiene and safety.
Ayurveda and Cold Pressed Oils
Ayurveda has long supported the use of unrefined, natural oils to balance doshas. For example:
- Vata dosha benefits from sesame oil’s warming nature.
- Pitta dosha is pacified by cooling coconut oil.
- Kapha dosha can be balanced with mustard oil’s light, warming properties.
Why the Generations Before Us Had Fewer Health Issues
Your grandmother’s generation often cooked in cast iron pans using cold pressed oils, consumed fewer processed foods, and lived a more active lifestyle. All these factors, including their oil choices, played a role in their better health and immunity.
How You Can Bring Back the Tradition Today
It’s easy to switch back to cold pressed oils. Start with your most-used cooking oil and replace it with a wood pressed variant. Make sure it’s sourced from a trusted, adulteration-free oil brand. Use it for daily cooking, frying, oil pulling, or skin care—just like your grandmother did.
Conclusion: Grandma Was Always Right
When it comes to natural wellness and long-term health, our grandmothers had it right all along. Cold pressed oils are not just oils—they’re heritage, health, and healing in every drop. Honor that legacy by embracing what they knew instinctively and what science now proves.
