Shift to Healthy, Cold-Pressed Oils
In India, traditional cooking oils like ghee, coconut oil, til oil, peanut oil, and mustard oil have taken a back seat since the advent of highly processed refined oils. But, over time, consumption of refined oil has led to various heart-related and other health problems. It is the presence of their high omega-6 fatty acids, saturated, and trans fats that cause health issues. Due to growing awareness, it is been seen that people are shifting their preference to healthy eating, which has led to the introduction of cold-pressed oils. Now, they are looking for the best cold-pressed oils in India for their everyday cooking. So, what makes cold-pressed cooking oils so popular? Let’s discuss some of the popular cold-pressed oils in India.
What is Cold-Pressed Oil?
The process of extracting oils from plant seeds is known as cold-pressed method. It is considered as the natural method, which involves mechanical pressing of plant seeds by exerting high pressure. This seed-pressing method is done under minimal temperatures and doesn’t involve chemicals or chemical processing. The oils extracted are chemical-free and retain maximum nutrients. These types of cooking oils are gaining popularity in India due to their natural extraction process. Cold-pressed oils are healthy and ideal for everyday cooking.
Best Cooking Oils in India (Cold-Pressed) Considered Healthy
There are different types of cooking oils in India (cold-pressed), and picking the best cold-pressed oil can be difficult. Most of the cooking oil brands in India offer heavy discount and sometime sell their oils at less prices to attract more customers, making it challenging to identify genuinely healthy cold pressed oils. Regardless which type of cooking oil you use, be it olive oil, mustard oil, rice bran or sunflower oil, it is important to buy the best cooking oils in India from reputed oil brands.
Jivo is one of the emerging cold-pressed oil brands and is currently the largest seller of cold-pressed canola oil in India. You can try any of Jivo’s cold-pressed oils for a significant period and experience the difference in quality and health benefits.
Best Cold-Pressed Oil – Olive Oil
Olive oil doesn’t need an introduction, as it is widely recognised as a healthy oil. It is world-famous for its health-beneficial properties. This oil is not only popular in the Mediterranean region but has also established its roots globally. The botanical name of the olive tree, from which olive oil is derived, is Olea europaea, and its fruit, the fleshy pulp, is used for oil extraction. There are several types of olive oil used in cooking: extra virgin olive oil, refined olive oil, extra light olive oil, olive pomace oil, virgin olive oil, and regular olive oil. All these varieties are considered good for cooking and salad dressing, but the most popular and healthiest is the cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil.
Cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil is known for its high content of healthy unsaturated fats, especially monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), with a smaller amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) that also support heart health. These fats help lower bad cholesterol and provide anti-inflammatory benefits, making this oil a smart addition to any kitchen. Along with healthy fats, it provides vitamin E, vitamin K, and powerful antioxidants that protect your body from oxidative stress. When you choose the best cold-pressed oils in India, like extra virgin olive oil, you’re not just adding nutrition but also a delicate, fruity flavour to your meals. Because of its rich nutrient profile and low smoke point, this oil is best enjoyed in salad dressings, drizzled over cooked dishes, or used for light sautéing rather than deep frying. For authentic flavour and health benefits, Jivo cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil stands out as one of the best cooking oils in India, adding both purity and nutrition to your everyday meals.
Best Cold-Pressed Oil – Kachi Ghani Mustard Oil
Kachi Ghani mustard oil is one of the most popular cooking oils in India that is known for its bold flavour and taste. This healthy oil is extracted from the seeds of the mustard plant (Brassica juncea) using the traditional cold-pressed method, often with a wooden or stone press called a “ghani.” Mechanical pressing is commonly used by oil brands in India, which involves heating at a minimal temperature and phases out chemical processing. This method helps preserve the natural pungency, deep golden colour, and the rich nutrient profile of mustard seeds.
There are several varieties of mustard oil available, but cold-pressed Kachi Ghani stands out for its purity and minimal processing. It is packed with healthy unsaturated fats, especially monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), along with a good balance of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) like omega-3 and omega-6. These fats help lower bad cholesterol, support heart health, and provide anti-inflammatory benefits. The oil is also a natural source of vitamin E and antioxidants, which protect the body from oxidative stress and help maintain healthy skin and hair. It also contains antimicrobial properties that help protect against infections and support overall immunity.
Kachi Ghani mustard oil has a strong, pungent aroma and sharp taste, making it a favourite for tempering, pickling, and adding depth to traditional Indian curries, vegetables, and dals. This healthy oil has a high smoke point (250°C/480°F) and is best for shallow frying and sautéing. For those seeking both authentic taste and wellness, Jivo cold-pressed kachi ghani mustard oil is a natural choice among the best cooking oils in India, bringing tradition and nutrition together in every drop.
Best Cold-Pressed Oil – Sunflower Oil
Cold-pressed sunflower oil is gaining popularity in India owing to its light texture, versatility, and health benefits. This oil is extracted from the seeds of the sunflower plant (Helianthus annuus) using a gentle cold-press process, which helps retain its natural nutrients, mild flavour, and clear golden colour. The cold-press method avoids high heat and chemicals, ensuring the oil stays pure and wholesome. There are different types of sunflower oils used in cooking, including cold-pressed sunflower oil, refined sunflower oil, and high-oleic sunflower oil. Among these, cold-pressed sunflower oil stands out for its minimal processing and richer nutrient profile.
Cold-pressed sunflower oil is rich in healthy unsaturated fats, especially polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) like omega-6, and also contains a good amount of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA). These healthy fats help support heart health, manage cholesterol levels, and provide anti-inflammatory benefits. The oil is also a natural source of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the body from oxidative stress and supports healthy skin and hair.
With its mild taste and high smoke point (about 232°C/450°F), cold-pressed sunflower oil is perfect for everyday Indian cooking. It works well for sautéing, shallow frying, baking, and even salad dressings. For those who value both nutrition and taste, Jivo cold-pressed sunflower oil is a healthy choice among the best cooking oils in India, bringing lightness and health to every meal.
Best Cold-Pressed Oil – Rice Bran Oil
Cold-pressed rice bran oil is gaining popularity in Indian kitchens for its light texture, mild taste, and health beneficial properties. This oil is extracted from the outer layer (bran) of rice grains (Oryza sativa) using a gentle cold-pressing process that preserves its natural nutrients and golden colour without the use of high heat or chemicals. There are two main types of rice bran oil used for cooking – cold-pressed and refined. Cold-pressed rice bran oil is valued for its purity, minimal processing, and richer nutrient content compared to refined versions.
Cold-pressed rice bran oil is packed with healthy unsaturated fats, especially polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) like omega-6 and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), which help support heart health, lower bad cholesterol, and reduce inflammation. It is naturally rich in vitamin E and powerful antioxidants like gamma oryzanol and phytosterols, which protect the body from oxidative stress, help manage cholesterol, and support immune function. The oil also contains nutrients such as squalene and coenzyme Q10, adding to its wellness profile.
Rice Bran’s high smoke point of 232°C (450°F) makes it the best cold-pressed oils in India for high temperature cooking like deep frying, stir-frying, and sautéing, as well as for salad dressings and baking. Its neutral flavour lets the natural taste of your ingredients shine through, making it a versatile choice for both Indian and global cuisines. For those looking for a healthy, light, and versatile oil, Jivo cold-pressed rice bran oil is one of the best cooking oils in India, known for its nutrition, and overall health.
Best Cold-Pressed Oil – Canola Oil
Cold-pressed canola oil is quickly becoming a favourite in Indian kitchens because of its natural and healthy profile. This oil is extracted from the seeds of the canola plant using a cold-press method, which avoids high heat and chemicals to preserve the oil’s natural nutrients and mild, slightly nutty flavour. In India, the types of canola oils used are – cold-pressed canola oil, refined canola oil, and high-oleic canola oil. Among these, cold-pressed canola oil is considered healthier owing to its natural extraction process and richer nutrient content.
Cold-pressed canola oil contains healthy unsaturated fats, mainly monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), and also a good amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) like omega-3 and omega-6. These healthy fats help lower bad cholesterol, support heart health, and reduce inflammation. The oil is also a natural source of vitamin E and vitamin K, both of which act as antioxidants and support skin, vision, and immune function. Its good balance of omega-6 to omega-3 makes it a smart choice for everyday cooking.
With a high smoke point of up to 246°C (475°F), cold-pressed canola oil is ideal for high-heat cooking methods like frying, sautéing, and baking. It’s also gluten-free, nut-free, and suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets. For those who want a versatile, heart-healthy oil, Jivo cold-pressed canola oil is one of the best cooking oils in India, known to hold natural richness and may benefit health.
Bring Home Best Cold-Pressed Oils in India
Choosing the right oil can transform your daily cooking and health. As people are getting aware about the unhealthy content in the highly processed refined oils, the shift toward naturally processed oil is growing. Cold-pressed oils stand out for their purity, minimal processing, and ability to retain essential nutrients, making them as the best cold-pressed oils in India for everyday cooking.
Whether you love the flavour of kachi ghani mustard oil, the purity of extra virgin olive oil, or the lightness of sunflower, rice bran, or canola oil, opting for Jivo’s healthy cold-pressed oils ensures you are giving your family the best cooking oils in India, oils that support heart health and enhance taste.
FAQs
What are cold-pressed oils, and why are they considered healthy?
Cold-pressed oils are extracted using a natural, chemical-free process that retains more nutrients, making the best cold-pressed oils in India for healthy cooking.
Which are the best cold-pressed oils in India for everyday cooking?
Popular options include Jivo’s cold-pressed olive oils, kachi ghani mustard oil, sunflower oil, rice bran oil, and canola oil, all recognized as some of the best cooking oils in India.
How do cold-pressed oils differ from refined oils?
Cold-pressed oils are minimally processed and chemical-free, while refined oils undergo high heat and chemical treatments, often losing nutrients in the process.
Are cold-pressed oils suitable for Indian cooking styles?
Yes, many cold-pressed oils, such as canola, rice bran, and sunflower oil, have high smoke points, making them ideal for frying, sautéing, and other Indian cooking methods.
What are the health benefits of using cold-pressed oils?
Cold-pressed oils are rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, and vitamins, supporting heart health, reducing inflammation, and promoting overall wellness.
Which cold-pressed oil is best for salads and dressings?
Jivo’s cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil is a top choice for salads and dressings due to its fruity flavour and rich nutrient profile.
Can cold-pressed oils help with cholesterol management?
Yes, oils like cold-pressed canola and mustard oil are high in unsaturated fats that may help lower bad cholesterol and support heart health.
Are cold-pressed oils safe for people with allergies?
Many cold-pressed oils, such as canola oil, are gluten-free and nut-free, which may make them suitable for people with common food allergies. Consult a health expert before using the oil.
How do I identify healthy cold-pressed oils in India?
Look for oils labelled as “cold-pressed,” check for minimal ingredient lists, and buy from reputed brands known for quality, like Jivo.
Why choose Jivo’s cold-pressed oils for your kitchen?
Jivo offers some of the best cold-pressed oils in India, known for purity, natural extraction, and health benefits—making them a trusted choice for the best cooking oils in India