Cold-pressed oils are the most talked about in recent times. The media is abuzz with so much information about cold pressed oils and their health benefits. Reading and hearing too much at a time can create confusion. Have you ever thought of substituting your regular refined oil with cold-pressed oil and became indecisive? Many people must be wondering whether there is any good in making the switch to cold-pressed oils from refined oils. In this article, we will summarise the two methods of oil processing and list out 5 benefits of cold-pressed oils for immune system.
Cold-pressing process:
The extraction of vegetable oils via this process is quite simple. The mortar and pestle arrangement or Ghani is used to pulverize the oilseeds or coconut pieces (in case of coconut oil). Solid impurities are filtered away from the oil. This process does not make use of any chemicals or excess heat.
Oil-refining process:
This method of oil processing involves the use of high temperature and chemical solvents for oil extraction. The resultant oil is balanced in color, texture, and taste, but loses several of its beneficial properties.
Benefits of cold-pressed oils for the immune system:
Since the cold-pressing process does not use chemicals or heat, it is quite obvious that the resultant oil retains the essential healthy nutrients. The immune system cells have a variety of roles and functions. These are boosted by the virgin oils.
Retain antioxidants:
Human body produces several free radicals during various biochemical processes. These free radicals can cause damage to cells. They play a major role in cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants are substances which help protect the body against the harmful effects of free radicals. Plant-based foods are the best source of antioxidants. Studies show that cold-pressed oils help retain the antioxidants in the oilseeds, thus preserving their nutritional quality. For example, the antioxidant Vitamin E is found in olive oil. However, it is preserved only in extra virgin olive oil
Anti-inflammatory effects:
Highly processed and overly greasy foods are not recommended for people suffering from inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. For example, lauric acid in coconut oil is responsible for its anti-inflammatory effects. This property is lost during the refining process. Olive, coconut, sesame, peanut, and sunflower oils are known for their anti-inflammatory effects with topical application. They help in wound healing and protect against premature skin aging. The cold-pressing process helps to retain anti-inflammatory properties.
Anti-bacterial and anti-viral effects:
Several oils like coconut, olive, and sesame oils have anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. For example, lauric acid in virgin coconut oil inhibits the growth of bacteria. Since the cold-pressed oils retain these properties, they help the body fight against multiple bacterial and viral diseases in a natural way.
Enzyme stimulation:
Cold-pressed oils retain antioxidants which stimulate the liver and pancreatic enzymes which aid in digestion. They also stimulate bile flow which is important for fat digestion.
Improve brain cell maturing and function:
Keto diet and VRK diet work best with Virgin Oils. These diets shift body metabolism to ketone-based metabolism. Studies proclaim that Virgin oils improve brain function and treat diseases like epilepsy. They also aid in fast weight loss.
Children’s health:
Children’s immune system is in the developing stage until the maturity age is attained. Given the above-mentioned benefits of virgin oils, regular use of cold pressed oils for building a healthy immune system.
Mesmara cares about holistic living and offers a wide range of cold-pressed oils, which you can purchase here.