Yashkri's Cold Pressed Oil
In south India, oils are extracted using cold pressed method which widely known as ‘Chekku Oil’. Chekku oil is the oil which is manufactured by the traditional method by using the wooden chekku (also known as Marachekku in Tamil). The oil is not heated during the manufacturing process, hence it contains the original nutrition and flavours. The oil prepared by this process were the ones that gave strength, stamina and long life to our Ancestors. Pure cold-pressed oil is not refined. It is also rich in antioxidants, which boosts immunity.
Preparation Method of Chekku Oil
Traditionally, south India was known for using cold pressed oil. Bullocks were led around the ‘chekku’, turning the wooden crusher to extract oil. In this method a long cylindrical contraption called ‘Ghani ’ (Marachekku) is used. This being the simplest method for “cold pressing the oil” out of the seed doesn’t involve the generation or addition of heat. The residue is used as fodder for the cattle.
On the other Hand, Modern Methods of Extracting Oils
The modern method of oil extraction involves supplying a lot of heat. The oilseeds are first crushed, and the pulp is heated under pressure. As a result almost all the oil is extracted. The downside is that the oil is heated to a temperature of 230 degree centigrade. Heating it to such a high temperature alters the properties of the oil molecules in unfavourable ways and strips it off of its nutritional value. After subjecting the oil to such high temperatures, manufacturers tend to use preservatives to prevent the oil from being unstable.
Refined Vs Unrefined Oils
Cold pressed oils are unrefined oils which are also known as Virgin or pure oils
Refined Oils
When oil is steamed or heated to deodorize the oil and “bleached” by filtering through clays to remove impurities and any remaining bacteria, it is called refined oil. Sometimes chemical solvents such as hexane may be used to extract oil from the copra and seeds. The resulting oil flavorless and odorless. These oils are not ideal for skin care and not recommend healthy cooking but ideal for those who prefer odorless cooking and skin care but remember there are not many nutrients left in the oil.
Unrefined Oils
Oil is extracted from fresh seeds, spun down in a centrifuge and undergoes no bleaching. This makes unrefined, also known as “virgin” or “pure,” the least processed form of seed oil available in the market. Unrefined oil you get a bigger seed flavor. Plus, you also receive more nutrients. When seeds oil is refined, the baking and bleaching reduce the number of polyphenols and medium-chain fatty acids available. These compounds are what offer the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits; thus, unrefined seeds oil is the best if you’re taking it to boost your health.
Yashkri is For Health & Beauty
The life of most body cells is short, hence new cells are constantly being made to replace dead ones. The raw materials for this rebuilding come from the blood stream. When it contains toxins, the process of rebuilding cells is disrupted. Hence, resistance to disease diminishes.
Countless diseases like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, allergies, emphysema, stomach ulcers, premature aging, impotence, hypoglycemia and arthritis exist because chemically synthesized substances disrupt the bio-chemistry of hundreds of billions of microscopic living cells which make up the body.
Cold Pressed oils reduces the form of toxins in blood stream and the risk of becoming a host to disease. They retain healthy anti-oxidants that are otherwise destroyed by heat. these anti-oxidants fight harmful free radicals and prevents the growth of tumours. At low temperatures, the fatty acid bonds in the groundnut don’t get destroyed, keeping its heart protecting abilities intact, along with vitamins and minerals. Groundnuts, with their high Niacin( Vitamin B family ) content, helps stabilise blood sugar. Cold pressing eliminates all the harmful effects that arise from the conventional methods of oil extraction.