The Cold-Pressed Myth: Why "Wood-Pressed" (Lakdi Gana) is Superior

Introduction

In recent years, health-conscious consumers across India and globally have shifted away from refined oils toward so-called natural alternatives. Terms like cold-pressed, wood-pressed, Lakdi Ghani, and kachi ghani have become common on oil bottles, supermarket shelves, and e-commerce listings.

But here’s the uncomfortable truth:
Not all oils labeled “cold-pressed” are truly cold-pressed in the traditional sense.

In fact, many modern “cold-pressed” oils are extracted using high-speed steel expeller machines that generate significant frictional heat — quietly reducing nutrient quality, increasing oxidation, and altering the oil’s natural properties.

This has led to a major misconception in the market:

Cold-pressed and wood-pressed oils are often treated as the same — but they are not.

This blog uncovers the cold-pressed myth, explains what most brands don’t tell you, and shows why wood-pressed (Lakdi Ghani) oils remain the gold standard for purity, nutrition, and traditional wisdom.

What Does “Cold-Pressed” Really Mean Today?

The term cold-pressed originally meant oil extracted at low temperatures, without external heat, to preserve natural nutrients, enzymes, and antioxidants. Traditionally, this process was slow, gentle, and focused on maintaining oil integrity.

The Modern Reality of Cold-Pressed Oils

Today, however, the definition has become blurred.

Most commercially available cold-pressed oils are extracted using:

• High-speed steel expeller machines
  

• Motorized rotary systems
  

• Friction-based crushing mechanisms
  

While these machines may not use direct external heat, they still generate significant internal heat due to friction and high RPM (rotations per minute).

Why This Matters for Your Health

This internal heat can:

• Destroy heat-sensitive antioxidants
  

• Reduce Vitamin E content
  

• Increase oxidation
  

• Alter natural fatty acid structures
  

• Reduce overall nutritional potency
  

As a result, many oils sold as cold-pressed today are not truly cold in practice — they are simply less refined, but not optimally preserved.

From a consumer perspective, this creates a false sense of security. You may believe you’re consuming the healthiest oil option, while unknowingly compromising on nutrient retention and purity.

What is Wood-Pressed (Lakdi Ghani) Oil?

Wood-pressed oil, also known as Lakdi Ghani, Mara Chekku, or wooden cold press oil, follows a traditional oil extraction method that has been used in Indian households for centuries.

Unlike modern steel machines, wood-pressed oil is extracted using a wooden pestle and mortar system, typically made from:

• Neem wood
  

• Teak wood
  

• Country wood (depending on region)
  

How the Wood-Pressed Process Works

• Oilseeds are slowly crushed using a wooden ghani
  

• The rotation speed is extremely low (usually 6–8 RPM)
  

• No artificial heat is applied
  

• The wooden structure naturally absorbs excess heat
  

• The oil flows out slowly, preserving its natural state
  

Why Wood Makes a Difference

Wood acts as a natural temperature regulator. It prevents overheating during extraction, ensuring that:

• Nutrients remain intact
  

• Antioxidants are preserved
  

• Flavor and aroma stay natural
  

• Oxidation is minimized
  

This slow, low-temperature process is what makes wood-pressed oil closer to its original, natural form, just as it was consumed by earlier generations.

Traditional Wisdom Meets Modern Nutrition

Ayurveda and traditional Indian diets have long emphasized oils extracted using wooden ghanis because of their:

• Better digestibility
  

• Higher prana (life energy, as per Ayurvedic belief)
  

• Superior therapeutic value
  

• Natural balance of fatty acids
  

In today’s fast, industrialized food systems, wood-pressed oil represents a return to slow, mindful, and nutritionally respectful processing.

The Big Myth: Cold-Pressed and Wood-Pressed Are the Same 

One of the biggest misconceptions in today’s edible oil market is the belief that cold-pressed and wood-pressed oils are identical. While both are positioned as healthier alternatives to refined oils, the extraction method makes a critical difference in quality, nutrition, and purity.

In reality, most cold-pressed oils today are produced using steel expeller machines, whereas wood-pressed oils use a traditional wooden ghani system. This difference directly impacts temperature control, oxidation, and nutrient preservation.

Cold-Pressed vs Wood-Pressed: A Clear Comparison

Why This Myth Exists

The confusion exists mainly because:

• The term cold-pressed is loosely regulated
  

• Many brands use it as a marketing label
  

• Consumers assume all natural oils are processed the same way
  

However, wood-pressed oils follow a fundamentally different philosophy — slow extraction, minimal heat, and maximum respect for the oilseed’s natural structure.

From a nutritional and traditional standpoint, wood-pressed oil is not just another version of cold-pressed oil — it is a superior category altogether.

Why Wood-Pressed Oil is Nutritionally Superior

The true value of wood-pressed oil lies in its ability to preserve what nature intended. Because the extraction process is slow and naturally temperature-controlled, wood-pressed oils retain a higher concentration of vital nutrients and bioactive compounds.

Key Nutritional Advantages of Wood-Pressed Oils

1. Higher Antioxidant Retention

Antioxidants such as polyphenols and tocopherols (Vitamin E) are heat-sensitive. The low-temperature, slow extraction process helps:

• Preserve natural antioxidants
  

• Reduce free radical formation
  

• Support long-term cellular health
  

2. Better Vitamin E Preservation

Vitamin E is a powerful fat-soluble antioxidant essential for:

• Skin health
  

• Immune support
  

• Heart health
  

• Protection against oxidative stress
  

Wood-pressed oils typically retain more natural Vitamin E compared to faster steel-pressed extraction methods.

3. Lower Oxidation Levels

High-speed processing increases exposure to:

• Heat
  

• Air
  

• Mechanical stress
  

This accelerates oxidation, which can:

• Reduce shelf stability
  

• Create harmful lipid peroxides
  

• Lower overall oil quality
  

Wood-pressed oils, due to their slower processing, experience significantly less oxidative damage.

4. Natural Fatty Acid Integrity

Wood-pressed extraction helps maintain the natural structure of:

• Monounsaturated fats (MUFA)
  

• Polyunsaturated fats (PUFA)
  

This supports:

• Heart health
  

• Better lipid profiles
  

• Improved metabolic stability
  

In simple terms, wood-pressed oil stays closer to its original nutritional state, making it a more functional and health-supportive cooking fat.

Ayurvedic & Traditional Perspective on Wood-Pressed Oils

Long before modern nutrition science existed, Indian households and Ayurvedic systems recognized the importance of how oil is extracted, not just which oil is used.

In Ayurveda, wood-pressed oils are considered closer to their natural pranic state — meaning they retain more life energy and therapeutic value.

Traditional Uses and Beliefs

Wood-pressed oils have traditionally been used for:

• Daily cooking
  

• Medicinal preparations
  

• Oil pulling
  

• Massage (abhyanga)
  

• Hair and scalp nourishment
  

• Skin therapy
  

Ayurvedic texts and traditional practices emphasize oils that are:

• Minimally processed
  

• Naturally extracted
  

• Free from excessive heat and chemical treatment
  

Digestive & Metabolic Benefits

According to traditional wisdom, wood-pressed oils are believed to:

• Be easier to digest
  

• Support gut lubrication
  

• Improve nutrient absorption
  

• Balance digestive fire (agni)
  

This aligns with modern understanding that less-oxidized, nutrient-rich fats are easier for the body to metabolize efficiently.

Cultural & Generational Trust

For centuries, Indian families relied on local oil mills using wooden ghanis. These oils were not seen as specialty health products — they were simply considered the right way to make oil.

Today, choosing wood-pressed oil is not just a health decision — it is a return to:

• Cultural wisdom
  

• Time-tested practices
  

• Sustainable food traditions

3 Common Myths About Wood-Pressed Oils (Busted)

Despite growing awareness, several myths still prevent consumers from switching to wood-pressed oils. Let’s separate fact from fiction.

Myth 1: “You can’t deep fry in wood-pressed oil”

False

Many wood-pressed oils such as groundnut oil, sesame oil, and coconut oil have excellent heat stability. When properly filtered and stored, they can safely handle Indian cooking methods like:

• Deep frying
  

• Tempering (tadka)
  

• Sautéing
  

• Stir-frying
  

In fact, traditional Indian kitchens have used wood-pressed oils for frying for generations — long before refined oils existed.

Myth 2: “Wood-pressed oil spoils very fast”

Misleading

Wood-pressed oils contain natural antioxidants, especially Vitamin E, which act as natural preservatives. When:

• Stored in airtight containers
  

• Kept away from direct sunlight
  

• Used within a reasonable time
  

They have a stable shelf life suitable for household use.

Shorter shelf life compared to refined oils is not a disadvantage — it’s a sign of minimal processing and no artificial preservatives.

Myth 3: “All cold-pressed oils are wood-pressed”

Completely false

Most cold-pressed oils today are produced using steel expeller machines. Unless the label specifically mentions:

• Wood-pressed
  

• Lakdi Ghani
  

• Mara Chekku
  

• Wooden Ghani
  

It is highly likely that the oil was extracted using modern steel machinery.

Understanding this difference helps you make a more informed, health-focused choice.

How to Identify REAL Wood-Pressed Oil (Consumer Guide)

With rising demand, many brands use misleading labels. Here’s a practical, experience-based guide to help you identify authentic wood-pressed oil.

1. Aroma Test

Real wood-pressed oil has a natural, seed-like aroma. It should smell fresh, earthy, and characteristic of the seed (groundnut, sesame, mustard, etc.).

If the oil smells neutral or overly processed, it may not be truly wood-pressed.

2. Taste Test

A small drop on the tongue should reveal:

• Natural nuttiness
  

• Seed-specific flavor
  

• Mild raw taste
  

Highly bland oils often indicate over-processing.

3. Viscosity & Texture

Wood-pressed oils usually feel:

• Slightly thicker
  

• More textured
  

• Less watery than refined or heavily processed oils
  

4. Label Transparency

Look for clear mentions of:

• Wood-pressed
  

• Wooden Ghan
  

• Traditional extraction
  

• No heat / no chemicals
  

Avoid vague claims that only say “natural” or “premium cold-pressed” without process details.

5. Small-Batch Production

Authentic wood-pressed oils are often produced in:

• Small batches
  

• Local mills
  

• Artisan or traditional setups
  

Large-scale mass production makes true wood-pressing difficult to maintain.

Environmental & Ethical Advantages of Wood-Pressed Oils

Wood-pressed oil is not just better for your body — it is also better for the planet and local communities.

Lower Energy Consumption

Wood-pressed systems operate at:

• Lower speeds
  

• Lower power requirements
  

• Reduced industrial processing
  

This results in a smaller carbon footprint compared to high-speed industrial expellers and refining plants.

Supports Local Farmers & Traditional Mills

Choosing wood-pressed oil helps:

• Sustain traditional oil mills
  

• Support small-scale farmers
  

• Preserve generational knowledge
  

This keeps rural economies stronger and promotes decentralized food systems.

Minimal Industrial Waste

Refined oils create chemical waste, bleaching residues, and deodorization byproducts. Wood-pressed oils, by contrast, involve:

• Minimal waste
  

• No chemical effluents
  

• Natural byproducts (like oil cake used as animal feed)
  

When Should You Choose Cold-Pressed Oils?

To maintain transparency and trust, it’s important to acknowledge that cold-pressed oils also have a place — depending on usage.

Cold-pressed oils may be more suitable for:

• Salad dressings
  

• Drizzling over cooked food
  

• Low-heat cooking
  

• Delicate oils like flaxseed, walnut, or hemp seed
  

These oils are often not suitable for high-heat Indian cooking, regardless of extraction method.

This balanced perspective reinforces that the best oil depends on both extraction method and intended use.

Final Verdict — Why Wood-Pressed Wins for Indian Cooking

For traditional Indian cooking styles — which involve:

• High heat
  

• Tempering
  

• Frying
  

• Long cooking times
  

Wood-pressed oils clearly stand out as the superior choice.

They offer:

• Better nutrient retention
  

• Lower oxidation
  

• Rich, authentic flavor
  

• Cultural alignment
  

• Time-tested safety
  

• Support for traditional food systems
  

Wood-pressed oil is not a marketing trend. It is a return to:

• Nutritional integrity
  

• Traditional wisdom
  

• Sustainable processing
  

• Honest food practices
  

In a market full of confusing labels, choosing Lakdi Ghani / wood-pressed oil is one of the simplest ways to upgrade your daily cooking for long-term health.