Why You Should Switch to Natural Oils in Your Kitchen

Introduction: A Return to Purity

Our kitchens have always been the heart of our homes — where health begins and family comes together. But over the past few decades, what we cook with has changed dramatically. Refined, processed oils have replaced the natural, cold pressed oils our ancestors trusted.

The result? A rise in lifestyle diseases, inflammatory disorders, and digestive issues.

It’s time to return to our roots — to switch back to natural, cold pressed oils like those made by Matrika Natural Foods, and rediscover the flavor, nutrition, and wellness that comes with them.

What Are Natural Oils?

Natural oils are extracted from seeds, nuts, or fruits without high heat or chemicals. They’re typically cold pressed, meaning the oil is extracted through mechanical pressure at room temperature, often using traditional wooden churners (known as kolhu or ghani).

Key Characteristics:

• No refining or bleaching
• No preservatives or additives
• Retain natural aroma, color, and nutrients
• Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids

Examples:

• Wood pressed mustard oil
• Cold pressed coconut oil
• Groundnut oil
• Sesame oil
• Flaxseed oil
• Sunflower oil (cold pressed)

Why Refined Oils Are a Health Hazard

Refined oils dominate supermarket shelves. They’re cheap, light in flavor, and long-lasting — but at what cost?

Refining Process Includes:

• High temperature (200°C+)
• Chemical solvents (like hexane)
• Bleaching agents
• Deodorization with steam

What’s Left in Refined Oils?

• Damaged fats
• Trans fats or hydrogenated particles
• Zero antioxidants
• High omega-6 (inflammatory)
• Traces of chemical solvents

These oils contribute to:

• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Hormonal imbalance
• Obesity
• Skin problems

Top 7 Reasons to Switch to Natural Oils in Your Kitchen

1. Better Heart Health

Cold pressed oils retain good fats like MUFAs and PUFAs, which help regulate cholesterol levels. They contain omega-3s that are anti-inflammatory and essential for cardiovascular function.

Best choices:

• Mustard oil
• Groundnut oil
• Flaxseed oil

Health Impact:

• Lowers LDL (bad cholesterol)
• Increases HDL (good cholesterol)
• Reduces blood pressure
• Prevents plaque formation

2. Improves Digestion and Metabolism

Natural oils aid in bile production, support gut movement, and improve absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K).

Coconut oil, for example, contains MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides) that are quickly metabolized and used for energy — great for weight management and gut health.

3. Supports Hormonal Balance

Chemicals in refined oils can mimic estrogen and disrupt hormonal function. Cold pressed oils, especially sesame and flaxseed oil, support thyroid, adrenal, and reproductive health.

Omega-3 and lignans in these oils help regulate menstrual cycles and support fertility in women.

4. Boosts Immunity

Natural oils contain antioxidants like vitamin E, polyphenols, and anti-microbial compounds that enhance immune response and reduce oxidative stress.

Mustard oil, in particular, has antibacterial and antifungal properties that protect against seasonal infections and gut bacteria imbalances.

5. Enhances Skin and Hair Health from Within

We often apply oils on the outside — but what we eat shows on our skin and hair too.

Natural oils:

• Promote collagen production
• Keep skin moisturized and youthful
• Reduce inflammation and acne
• Strengthen hair from the roots

Coconut oil, sesame oil, and flaxseed oil are especially beneficial for this.

6. Retains Natural Flavor and Aroma in Food

Refined oils are stripped of taste. Natural oils elevate your food with their aroma, color, and depth of flavor.

Mustard oil adds pungency to Indian curries
Groundnut oil enhances fried dishes
Sesame oil is perfect for South Indian and Asian cuisine

This means you need less oil to cook more flavorful food, which also reduces consumption.

7. Environmentally Friendly and Locally Sustainable

Refined oil production involves industrial processing, synthetic chemicals, and fossil fuels.

In contrast, cold pressing uses minimal energy, no chemicals, and supports small-scale farmers and traditional techniques — aligning with sustainable, eco-conscious living.

Choosing Matrika’s cold pressed oils helps:

• Reduce carbon footprint
• Encourage fair-trade farming
• Preserve age-old Indian wisdom