Wooden Pressed Oil: Why You Need Less Compared to Refined Oil | Real Cost vs Quantity

🛢️ Introduction: Is Wooden Pressed Oil Really Expensive?

At first glance, wooden pressed oils (cold-pressed oils) look more expensive than refined oils.
But here’s the secret that most consumers don’t know — you actually need less quantity of cold-pressed oil in cooking, and the nutritional quality is far superior.

So in the long run, you're not spending more — you're just investing smarter in your health and taste.

🌿 What is Wooden Pressed Oil?

Wooden pressed oil, also called cold-pressed oil or wood churned oil, is extracted using a wooden ghani at low temperatures (below 45°C). This method preserves nutrients, aroma, taste, and natural antioxidants of the seed.

Examples:

1. Groundnut oil
2. Coconut oil
3. Sesame oil
4. Mustard oil

🧪 Why Do You Need Less Wooden Pressed Oil in Cooking?

1. High Nutrient Density

Cold-pressed oils retain all natural fats, lecithin, and antioxidants like tocopherols (Vitamin E), making them more satiating. You don’t need to keep pouring oil to feel the taste.

2. Better Spreadability

Wooden pressed oils have better viscosity and natural binding agents (like lecithin in groundnut oil), which allows them to coat food better, requiring less quantity.

3. Low-Temperature Cooking Friendly

You can cook efficiently at lower temperatures as these oils don’t contain chemical solvents. The food cooks evenly and absorbs less oil.

✅ Scientific Insight: A 2019 study from the Journal of Food Science and Technology found that cold-pressed oils are absorbed less during deep frying than refined oils due to their natural lipid structure.

💰 The Real Cost Comparison: Refined Oil vs Wooden Pressed Oil

Aspect	Refined Oil	Wooden Pressed Oil
Price per liter	₹110–₹140	₹250–₹300
Quantity required daily	3–4 tbsp (per family)	1.5–2 tbsp (per family)
Nutritional value	Low (due to high heat & chemicals)	High (natural nutrients intact)
Taste & aroma	Bland	Rich, earthy taste
Long-term health impact	Risk of heart disease, obesity	Boosts digestion, heart health
Overall monthly expense	~₹450–₹500	~₹500 (with half the quantity)

⚖️ Conclusion: Price may be higher per liter, but actual usage and health value make it equal or even more cost-effective in the long run.

🪔 Ayurvedic Perspective: Why Less is More

According to Ayurveda, excess oil intake disturbs Agni (digestive fire) and causes Ama (toxins) buildup. That's why snehana (oleation) should be moderate and mindful.

Wooden pressed oils are satvik, promote healthy digestion, and are easily metabolized, which is not the case with refined oils (which are considered tamasic due to processing).

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💡 How to Use Less Oil in Cooking

• Use a brush or spray for tavas and pans
• Low to medium heat retains oil quality and reduces need
• Steam and shallow-fry instead of deep-frying
• Allow food to cook slowly, releasing natural moisture
• Add oil towards the end for flavor instead of overcooking

✅ Key Takeaways

1. 🛢️ You need less cold-pressed oil than refined oil for the same dishes
2. 💸 Final monthly expense is almost the same, despite higher per-liter cost
3. 🧠 Scientifically proven to be more efficient in absorption and taste
4. 🌿 Ayurvedically recommended for digestion, balance, and vitality
5. 🧂 Taste is richer, so you need less salt and spice, too!