Cold Pressed Sesame Oil Benefits: Why Gingelly Oil Belongs in Every Indian Kitchen
Cold-pressed sesame oil benefits have been celebrated in Indian households for thousands of years. Known as gingelly oil in South India and til ka tel in Hindi, this golden oil is extracted from sesame seeds using a traditional wooden press—without heat, without chemicals, and without compromising on nutrition.
Unlike refined sesame oil, cold-pressed sesame oil retains every natural nutrient, antioxidant, and healthy fat that nature packed into the seed. From Ayurvedic medicine to everyday Indian cooking, this oil has earned its place as one of the most trusted natural oils in the country.
At Srikruti Naturals, we cold-press our sesame oil using traditional ghani methods—so every drop delivers pure, unadulterated goodness straight from the seed to your kitchen.
What is cold-pressed sesame oil?
Cold-pressed sesame oil is extracted by mechanically pressing sesame seeds at low temperatures—typically below 50°C. This process preserves the oil’s natural color, aroma, and nutritional profile.
In contrast, refined sesame oil undergoes high-heat processing, solvent extraction, and chemical deodorization. As a result, most of the natural vitamins, antioxidants, and flavor compounds are destroyed during refining.
Key difference at a glance:
| Feature | Cold Pressed | Refined |
|---|---|---|
| Extraction | Traditional ghani / cold press | Chemical solvent + high heat |
| Nutrients | Fully preserved | Largely destroyed |
| Colour | Golden / amber | Pale yellow |
| Aroma | Rich, nutty | Odourless |
| Chemicals | None | Hexane solvent used |
Top 7 Cold Pressed Sesame Oil Benefits
1. Rich in Antioxidants — Fights Free Radical Damage
Cold-pressed sesame oil is naturally rich in sesamol and sesamin—two powerful antioxidants found almost exclusively in sesame seeds. These antioxidants protect your cells from oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and slow premature aging.
Furthermore, the vitamin E content in cold-pressed sesame oil supports immune function and skin repair. Refined oil, on the other hand, loses most of these antioxidants during high-heat processing.
2. Cold Pressed Sesame Oil Benefits for Hair — Strong, Shiny, and Healthy
One of the most well-known cold pressed sesame oil benefits is its effect on hair health. Sesame oil penetrates deep into the scalp, nourishing hair follicles from the root.
For hair, sesame oil helps:
- Reduce scalp dryness and dandruff
- Strengthen hair roots and reduce breakage
- Add natural shine and softness
- Protect hair from sun and heat damage
In addition, the zinc and selenium content in cold pressed sesame oil supports healthy hair growth — making it a go-to oil for traditional Indian hair care routines.
3.Supports Heart Health Naturally
Cold pressed sesame oil contains a healthy balance of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, which are known to support cardiovascular health. Sesamin and sesamolin — lignans found in sesame oil — have been shown to help manage blood pressure and reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Moreover, because cold pressed sesame oil is free from trans fats and chemical residues, it is a significantly cleaner choice for your heart compared to refined cooking oils.
4. Natural Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Traditional Ayurvedic medicine has used sesame oil for centuries as an anti-inflammatory agent — for abhyanga (self-massage), oil pulling, and wound healing. Cold pressed sesame oil retains all the natural compounds responsible for these anti-inflammatory effects.
Therefore, regular use of cold pressed sesame oil — both in cooking and topically — may help reduce joint pain, muscle soreness, and inflammation.
5. Cold Pressed Sesame Oil Benefits for Skin — Deep Nourishment
Sesame oil is one of the few natural oils that penetrates deeply into skin layers. It is rich in:
- Vitamin E — repairs and protects skin
- Zinc — supports collagen production
- Sesamol — natural SPF protection
- Fatty acids — lock in moisture
As a result, cold pressed sesame oil works as a natural moisturiser, after-sun treatment, and gentle massage oil. Unlike petroleum-based skin products, sesame oil nourishes without clogging pores.
6. Ideal for Indian Cooking — Stable at Cooking Temperatures
Cold pressed sesame oil has a smoke point of approximately 175–180°C, making it suitable for:
- Tadka / tempering
- Stir frying
- Rice dishes and chutneys
- Pickles and marinades
- Traditional sweets like til ladoo and sesame chikki
In South Indian cuisine, gingelly oil is the preferred fat for dishes like pulihora, kobbari annam, and avakaya pickle. Its rich, nutty flavour adds depth that refined oil simply cannot replicate.
7. Supports Bone Health and Immunity
Cold pressed sesame oil is a natural source of calcium, magnesium, and zinc — three minerals essential for strong bones and a healthy immune system. Furthermore, the copper content in sesame oil supports red blood cell production and joint flexibility.
In contrast, refined sesame oil loses most of these minerals during the high-heat extraction process.
Cold Pressed vs Refined Sesame Oil — Which Should You Choose?
The answer is clear. Cold pressed sesame oil preserves every nutrient, antioxidant, and flavour compound that nature intended. Refined sesame oil, however, trades nutrition for a longer shelf life and lower production cost.
If you care about what goes into your food and onto your body, cold pressed is the only logical choice.
How to Use Cold Pressed Sesame Oil Daily
In the kitchen:
- Use as a finishing oil over dal, rice, and salads
- Add to tadka for authentic South Indian flavour
- Use in pickles and chutneys
- Replace refined oil in marinades
For hair and skin:
- Warm slightly and massage into scalp 30 minutes before washing
- Apply to skin as a natural moisturiser after bathing
- Use for oil pulling — swish 1 tablespoon for 10–15 minutes
Why Choose Srikruti Naturals Cold Pressed Sesame Oil?
At Srikruti Naturals, we believe your family deserves oil that is pure, natural, and honestly made.
- ✅ Traditional wooden ghani extraction
- ✅ Zero chemicals, zero solvents
- ✅ No heat — nutrients fully preserved
- ✅ FSSAI approved manufacturing standards
- ✅ Small-batch production for freshness
- ✅ Delivered fresh to your door in Hyderabad
Our cold pressed sesame oil is made the way your grandmother would recognise — slow, careful, and honest.
Conclusion — Bring Gingelly Oil Back to Your Kitchen
Cold pressed sesame oil benefits go far beyond just cooking. From heart health to hair care, from skin nourishment to immune support, this ancient oil is one of nature’s most complete health foods.
Moreover, when you choose Srikruti Naturals cold pressed sesame oil, you are choosing an oil that is free from chemicals, full of nutrition, and made with genuine care.
Ready to make the switch? Explore our range of cold pressed and wood pressed oils at srikrutinaturals.com — and bring the goodness of traditional Indian oils back to your kitchen.
All Srikruti Naturals oils are manufactured under FSSAI approved food safety standards.
