Cold-Pressed Groundnut Oil vs Refined Oil: Which One Should You Use in Daily Indian Cooking?

A bottle of Arkka Oils pure groundnut oil, crafted through natural wood pressing, is showcased on freshly tilled soil amidst scattered peanuts, with lush green fields stretching into the background.

Choosing the right cooking oil can significantly impact your family’s health. While refined oils are widely available and often inexpensive, they come with health risks that are hard to ignore. On the other hand, cold-pressed groundnut oil, also known as lakdi ghana oil, is gaining popularity for its rich nutrient profile and traditional extraction methods.

If you're in Pune or anywhere across India, this comparison of groundnut oil vs refined oil will help you understand why it's time to make the switch.

What Is Refined Oil?

Refined oils are extracted using high heat and chemical solvents like hexane. The process includes deodorization, bleaching, and neutralization—stripping away nutrients and adding synthetic compounds to increase shelf life.

The result? A clear, odorless oil with little nutritional value and possible long-term health consequences.

What Is Cold-Pressed Groundnut Oil?

Cold-pressed or wood-pressed groundnut oil is extracted by slowly crushing peanuts in a wooden churner (lakdi ghana) without heat or chemicals. This gentle method retains antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats, making it ideal for daily Indian cooking.

Nutritional Differences

Feature	Refined Oil	Cold-Pressed Groundnut Oil
Extraction Method	Heat & chemical-based	Wooden churner, no heat
Nutrient Retention	Low	High (Vitamin E, MUFAs, Omega 6)
Additives	Yes	No
Aroma & Flavor	Neutral	Nutty and natural

Health Benefits of Cold-Pressed Groundnut Oil

• Heart Health: Rich in monounsaturated fats that help reduce bad cholesterol and improve heart function.

• Anti-inflammatory: Contains natural antioxidants and vitamin E that reduce inflammation.

• Better Digestion: Being chemical-free and natural, it’s gentler on the stomach.

• Immunity Boosting: The presence of antioxidants helps build immunity, especially important in seasonal weather like Pune’s monsoon and winter.

  
  

Versatility in Indian Cooking

Whether you’re tempering dal, frying pakoras, or preparing everyday sabzis, cold-pressed groundnut oil brings out the authentic taste of Indian food. It has a high smoke point, making it suitable even for deep frying without breaking down into harmful compounds.

Why Arkka Oils?

At Arkka Oils, we use traditional lakdi ghana methods to ensure each drop of oil retains its nutritional integrity. Based in Pune, our oils are:

• 100% chemical-free

• Locally sourced

• Packed in food-safe, eco-friendly bottles

• Available across India via arkkaoils.com 

The difference between refined oil and cold-pressed groundnut oil is not just nutritional—it’s transformational. Switch to a healthier, tastier lifestyle with Arkka’s pure, wood-pressed oils and bring back the flavor and wellness your family deserves.