10 Health Benefits of Wood-pressed Mustard Oil
by David Swift Content CrafterMustard 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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Created on Feb 26th 2021 03:31. Viewed 253 times.