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10 Health Benefits of Wood-pressed Mustard Oil

by David Swift Content Crafter

Mustard oil is the oldest form of oil that has been in use in India. Much before western civilization brought us groundnut or other refined cooking oils. Traditionally all cooking oils in India were manufactured in a wooden-press or ghani as it’s known locally. They date back centuries and were operated with the use of cattle. Today, ghanis are electrically powered and more humane in their operations.

The quality and flavor of the final oils vary tremendously from ghani to ghani even though it’s the same seed being used. This is the result of varying techniques of extraction that are unique to each wooden-press. The method of extraction is an art-form for each press, and they pride themselves on their techniques. The use of water is quite important in the oil-making process and there are four stages at which it is added. The first addition is before pressing to compact the seeds and give the pestle a grip. The last two additions purify the oil, but it’s the second whose timing is crucial. The function of water at this stage is to bring about cooking (along with the frictional heat being generated) the denaturation and coagulation of protein, and finally the displacement of oil from the seed. This is when the oil suddenly froths up as it gets pressed out of the seed. Compared to refined oils that are extracted using heat and have harmful additives that are very unhealthy, wood-pressed mustard oil keeps all nutrients intact and uses no harmful additives.

Wood-pressed mustard oil is full of natural nutrients and rich in omega-3 fatty acids that are very beneficial for your health. Let’s look at 10 other health benefits of this oil.

 

      1.      Unprocessed and Unrefined

Wood-pressed mustard oil does not undergo any of the processing that commercial refined mustard oil goes through, such as deodorization or bleaching. Wood-pressing is a slow process and uses natural techniques to extract the oils. This keeps all the goodness of the seed intact in the oil and is a much healthier option.

 

      2.     Healthier Heart

Wood-pressed mustard oil has the perfect balance between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, it is also rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and low on saturated fatty acids, which makes it much healthier for the heart. It is the non-application of heat during the extraction process that ensures that these essential fatty acids are not burnt away.

 

      3.     Lower Cholesterol

The high content of MUFA and omega-3 fatty acids lower the cholesterol content in the oil, and it’s easier for the body to absorb and process wood-pressed mustard oil. Lowered cholesterol in the body makes you more active and less prone to diseases.


 

      4.     Benefits on Skin

Wood-pressed mustard oil is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants that help against premature aging, lightens the skin, and reduces wrinkling.

 

      5.     Benefits on Hair

Wood-pressed mustard oil works as a natural internal moisturizer for your body. It helps to keep the scalp moisturized that leads to healthy and dandruff-free hair.

 

      6.     Relieves Cough and Common Cold

The natural oxidants in wood-pressed mustard oil aid in relieving the symptoms of cough and the common cold. Regular use of the oil in cooking boosts the immunity of the body overall.

 

      7.      Ideal for Cooking

Wood-pressed mustard oil is ideal for cooking most food especially deep-frying as it has a high smoke point. A high smoke point ensures that none of the beneficial properties of the oil are lost.

 

      8.     Natural Stimulant

Wood-pressed mustard oil aids in good circulation and digestion due to the natural stimulants present in the oil. This leads to a good diet and better metabolism.

 

      9.     Helps Fight Obesity

Wood-pressed mustard oil can fight obesity by keeping your cholesterol low and metabolism regulated. Regular use ensures that your gut is cleaner and less prone to storing bad fatty acids.

 

      10.  Variety of Uses

Wood-pressed mustard oil is not just meant for cooking, it can be used in a variety of ways and has many benefits. It has healing properties and mixed with Haldi (turmeric powder) it can be applied to minor cuts and wounds as a natural antiseptic.

 

Wood pressed mustard oil can take a little getting used to due to its pungent taste and strong smell. That notwithstanding, it has proven health benefits and is rich in natural properties. It is a chemical-free, all-natural oil loaded with the goodness of the mustard seed.


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About David Swift Freshman   Content Crafter

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Joined APSense since, September 29th, 2017, From Delhi, India.

Created on Feb 26th 2021 03:31. Viewed 253 times.

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