Cold-pressed oils are the latest entry in the weight loss world. Though these oils have made a late entry their entry has been stunning. Dietitians worldwide are trying to incorporate these oils into their diet. It wouldn't be wrong if it is touted as a magical oil, & hence these oils are considered to be the best oils in the world. The oil is obtained by pressing & grinding a fruit or a seed with the use of a heavy granite millstone or Modern stainless steel presses. Both the methods (pressing & grinding) of oil extraction tend to produce heat through friction but extreme care should be taken to maintain the temperature of cold-pressed oil to 49 degrees. Cold-pressed oils are known to retain all their flavour, aroma & nutritional value.
The different types of cold-pressed oils are as follows:
OLIVE OIL, COCONUT OIL, SESAME OIL, GRAPESEED OIL, AVOCADO OIL, PISTACHIO OIL AND FLAXSEED OIL.
Cold-pressed oils that are rich in Mono-saturated fatty acids OLIVE OIL, PISTACHIO OIL AND AVOCADO OIL ARE CONSIDERED TO BE HIGH IN MONOUNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS.
Monounsaturated fatty acids could be your heart's best friend. Reason? These fats lower the risk of heart diseases as they can lower your total & low-density lipoproteins & cholesterol levels. Not just that it can improve the function of your blood vessels. Research has also suggested that it may help in controlling blood sugar levels which would indirectly be helpful if one is suffering from type 2 Diabetes.
SESAME OIL, GRAPESEED OIL, AND FLAXSEED OIL ARE CONSIDERED TO BE RICH IN POLYUNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS
Polyunsaturated fatty acids are of 2 types omega-3 & omega-6.
Omega-3 fatty acids are good for one's heart in various ways. They lower triglyceride levels Reduce the risk of an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), slow the build-up of plaque & are also known to lower blood pressure.
Omega-6 fatty acids help in controlling the blood sugar levels which in turn reduces the risk of diabetes. They are also known to lower blood pressure.
Cold Pressed oil that is rich in MCT'S
COCONUT OIL:
Coconut oil is rich in Medium-chain triglycerides. MCTs unlike LCTs are very easy for the body to break down & use as energy. Because they're so easy to absorb, MCTs are used therapeutically for people with malabsorption problems, like Crohn's Disease. They're also great for a person whose gall bladder has been surgically removed. MCTs aid in weight loss by increasing satiety & raising the metabolic rate which ultimately leads to weight loss.MCTs could also help to reduce the risk of arteriosclerosis.
Nutritional composition of cold-pressed oil(1tsp):
Energy (kcal) | Carbohydrate (gms) | Protein (gms) | Total Fat (gms) | Saturated Fat (gms) |
40 |
0 |
0 |
4.5 |
0.4-0.5 |
THE BEST TIME TO HAVE COLD-PRESSED OILS
Preferably it is best to have cold-pressed oils mid-morning before lunch. However, moderation is the key. Do not consume more than a tsp at a given time.
Benefits of Cold Pressed Oil:
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Cold-pressed oils are just excellent sources of omega-3 & omega-6 fatty acids.
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These oils are not only rich in zinc but also in Vitamins like Vitamin A, C, E, D, lecithin & potassium which are necessary for good vision, a healthy heart & our kidneys.
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They help in lowering the risk of heart disease, colon cancer & asthma. Not just that these oils can also lower cholesterol, blood pressure & sugar levels.
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Cold-pressed oils being rich in bioflavonoids & antioxidants help prevent free radical damage.
They also help in strengthening the immune system. The benefits of cold-pressed oils seem to be endless.
Role of cold-pressed oils in weight loss
Almost 60% of the coconut oil is made up of MCTs known as lauric acid which is 3 times more effective than the longer chain counterparts in combating those extra kilos. MCT present in coconut oil boosts the metabolism & does not get stored as fat. It produces lots of energy that helps burn calories.
FLAXSEED OIL:
Flaxseed oil is considered to be rich in omega-3 fatty acids. It raises the metabolic rate making it easier to burn off fat. Not only that it also improves the function of the liver (the fat-burning organ). Flaxseed oil helps the body in the production of energy & also significantly reduces water retention in one's body.
OLIVE OIL:
Olive oil can help in achieving lower body weight. It helps to reduce hunger pangs & improves metabolism, thus allowing you to lose weight better & faster
The polyunsaturated fatty acids present in sesame oil play a role in the reduction of body fat. These polyunsaturated fatty acids increase the plasma levels of the hormone leptin, which is a hormone that regulates body weight. Leptin goes to the satiety centre of the brain providing a full & satisfied feeling hence incorporating sesame oil into the diet could help lose a considerable amount of weight.
AVOCADO OIL:
Avocado oil has a thicker consistency & they are rich in powerful nutrients, which means that it will keep your appetite on the leash for a longer period.
Role of Cold-pressed oils in healing other diseases:
Olive oil helps in lowering the risk of heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer & asthma. It can lower cholesterol & blood pressure, assist to balance blood sugar levels; has potent anti-inflammatory effects, powerful antioxidants to combat free radical damage, & supports good gut health.
Coconut oil is loaded with antibacterial & antiviral properties. It has lauric acid which has a powerful antiviral effect on the body, & caprylic acid which is a potent antifungal. Coconut oil is fantastic for boosting immunity & staying off illness
Sesame oil is a great source of polyunsaturated fatty acids such as omega 3, 6 & 9. These are well known for preventing & treating heart disease, diabetes, & arthritis, lowering cholesterol & combating free radical damage.
Cold-pressed grapeseed oil is high in bioflavonoids & antioxidants & is a rich source of Vitamin E. Grapeseed oil contains powerful antioxidants to protect against heart disease & free radical damage & can assist in lowering cholesterol.