Amidst debates of whether oil is good for you or not, are fancy terms like ‘extra virgin’, ‘first press’, ‘first cold press’ and more. The more popular of these terms is ‘cold-pressed.’
Why cold-pressed?
The process of making these oils involve something called ‘pressing’. The pressing process involves crushing the seeds, or nuts and forcing the oil out. The presses themselves come in different sizes. Although the friction between the press and the seeds generates heat- unlike regular oils- cold-pressed oils are not put through more than 48.8 degrees Celsius during the process. Hence the term ‘cold’ pressed.’
Cold-pressed oils are believed to retain their natural and healthy nutrients.
Lastly, the low temperature and delicacy of the pressing minimizes oxidation. When an oil becomes oxidized, it becomes toxic to the metabolic system when consumed. This is a major fault of polyunsaturated oils. Because these oils maintain so much of their integrity, they are delicate and should be stored in dark amber or miron glass and out of direct light and heat. While these oils come with a higher price tag, cold-pressed oils are worth the extra dollar. They are the most nutrient dense and the most beneficial for applying topically to skin care and for internal consumption.
Why organic?
Going beyond the extraction method, it is also wise to consider the quality of the oil prior to extraction. Organic oils are produced from plants that are grown without pesticides or potentially harmful chemicals. This is important because extraction concentrates the plant. If the raw product contains harmful toxins, they will be concentrated in the oil.
With this in mind, the best oils you can buy for your food, hair and skin will always be an organic, cold-pressed oil. It is as close to its natural form as possible.
Best types of oils
Evening Primrose Oil
Improves skin hydration, dehydrated, fragile, stressed, soothing. It has a beautiful scent and is packed with omega-6 fatty acids - crucial for healthy skin and nails. These fatty acids can only be derived from plant oil. Evening primrose contains vitamin E and vitamin C, which are both essential to keep skin looking and feeling youthful.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats and contains large amounts of antioxidants. Olive oil Has strong anti-inflammatory properties and may help prevent strokes. It is protective against heart disease and it's a well-known part of the health mediteranean diet.
Hempseed Oil
Dryness, flaking, excema and psoriasis and rejuvenates the skin, creating a more youthful glow. It has it has an EFA (essential fatty acid) profile that resembles our skin’s lipids (fats) and can soothe inflammation, hydrate dry skin and even prevent acne.
Rosehip Oil
Helpful for burns, wrinkles, sundamage, crows feet, toning and is one of the top antiaging oils. It can be used in conjunction with other oils or lotions as an intensive moisturizing and antiaging treatment.
Flaxseed Oil
Organic Flaxseed Oil is a source of Omega-3, 6 and 9 fatty acids are one of two essential fatty acid nutrients required for optimum health. Omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and especially recommended for the relief of inflammation associated with arthritis and to assist in the improvement of general well-being.
Hemp Oil
This oil is a soothing and powerful moisturizer for all skin types and is light and not greasy. Great to apply under make-up and can also be used on the fingernails or as a rich hair treatment (you'll often find it in expensive hair masks!) It's packed with vitamin E, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids.
