Cold Pressed Oil Vs Refined Oil: Which Is Better?

Introduction

There are differences between cold-pressed oil and refined oil in many aspects. These differences are mainly reflected in processing technology, nutritional ingredients, flavor characteristics, color, health effects, and usage scenarios.

Let’s get started.

Cold pressed vs refined oil

Processing Technology

Cold pressed oil is an edible oil extracted from oil crops by low-temperature pressing (usually at 40-60℃).

This process involves pressing the oil at a lower temperature to retain the nutrients and natural flavor of the oil.

Neither chemical solvents nor high-temperature treatment are used in the cold pressing process. (Read more: Cold pressed peanut oil >>)

However, refined oil is a series of refining treatments on crude oil. To remove impurities and harmful substances, and improve the quality and stability of the oil.

The crude oil refining process usually includes a variety of methods such as mechanical, chemical, and physical methods.

Such as precipitation, filtration, centrifugal separation, acid refining, alkali refining, hydration, decolorization, steam distillation, etc.

Cold pressed linseed oil vs refined

Nutritional Ingredients

Since the temperature is low during the cold-pressing process and no use of chemical solvents and additives, cold-pressed oil can retain more nutrients, such as unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, sterols, etc.

These ingredients have a positive effect on promoting the development of the nervous system, bones, and brain. And preventing arteriosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases.

During the refining process crude oil, will lose some nutrients. Especially during high temperatures and chemical treatment, some heat-sensitive nutrients may be destroyed or degraded. (Read more: Refined oil vs unrefined oil >>)

Flavor and Color

Cold pressed oil has a strong natural flavor and aroma. This is because low-temperature pressing can better preserve the color, aroma, and taste of the raw materials. The color of cold-pressed oil is usually golden yellow.

The flavor of refined oil is relatively bland. Because removes the pigments and impurities in the oil during the refining process. Refined oil is usually colorless and odorless or lighter in color.

Health Effects

Cold-pressed oil retains more nutrients that are beneficial to human health. For example, unsaturated fatty acids help lower cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular diseases.

However, if the oil crops have problems such as pesticide residues, these harmful substances may also be retained in the cold-pressed oil. (Read more: Cold pressed oil vs hot pressed oil >>)

Refined oil removes impurities and harmful substances in crude oil, and has a lower potential risk to health.

However, if too many chemical additives are used or improper treatment methods are used during the refining process, it may also harm human health.

Use Scenarios

Cold pressed oil has natural and healthy properties and is often used in high-end cooking, direct consumption, health products, and cosmetics.

Refined oil removes impurities and harmful substances and usually has higher stability and longer shelf life.

Therefore, it is widely used in high-temperature cooking, food processing, pharmaceuticals, and other fields, especially under conditions that require high-temperature treatment.

Cold pressed coconut oil vs refined

Conclusion

In conclusion, both cold-pressed oil and refined oil have their characteristics and advantages. When you choose, you should choose according to your needs and preferences. If you need to retain more nutrients and natural flavors, you can choose cold pressed oil. If you pay more attention to the stability and safety of the oil, you can choose refined oil.

References:

• Tata Simply Better: https://www.tatasimplybetter.com/blogs/news/what-is-the-difference-between-cold-pressed-oil-and-regular-oil
• Nayesha Oil Mills: https://nayeshamills.com/blogs/news/why-are-cold-pressed-oils-better-for-the-immune-system-than-refined-oils
• Stack Exchange: https://cooking.stackexchange.com/questions/124055/why-is-refined-oil-cheaper-than-cold-press-oil