Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about refined oil and why Lakadi Ghana oil is a healthier alternative.
What is refined oil?
Refined oil is edible oil that’s undergone chemical processing—typically solvent extraction with hexane—followed by a series of refining steps (degumming, neutralization, bleaching, winterization, deodorization). These processes remove impurities, free fatty acids, odors, and color. As a result, refined oil has a neutral flavor and higher smoke point but loses almost all natural nutrients.
How is refined oil manufactured?
1. **Solvent Extraction**
• Crushed oilseeds are mixed with hexane (a petroleum-based solvent) to extract nearly 100% of the oil.
2. **Degumming**
• Removes gums and phospholipids by treating crude oil with water or acid.
3. **Neutralization**
• Free fatty acids are neutralized using alkali (caustic soda or NaOH), which forms soapstock that’s separated out.
4. **Bleaching**
• Oil is passed through bleaching earth or activated carbon to remove color pigments and trace metals.
5. **Winterization**
• Oil is cooled to crystallize and filter out high‐melting triglycerides (cloud‐forming waxes), improving clarity.
6. **Deodorization**
• High‐temperature steam distillation (200 °C–300 °C) strips volatile odors and flavors, yielding a neutral taste.
Each step relies on chemicals and high heat, which strip away natural antioxidants, micronutrients, and subtle flavors.
What are the main disadvantages of refined oil?
• **Nutrient Loss**: High temperatures (200 °C–300 °C) and repeated chemical treatments destroy vitamins, phytosterols, and natural antioxidants.
• **Trans Fat Formation**: Thermal processing can create trans fatty acids, which increase the risk of heart disease and inflammation.
• **Chemical Residues**: Traces of solvents (like hexane) or bleaching agents may remain if not fully removed, raising health concerns.
• **Neutral Flavor**: While this appeals to some, you lose the distinctive aroma and taste of cold‐pressed oils.
• **Potential Health Risks**: Excessive consumption of refined oil (rich in omega-6 but low in beneficial compounds) has been linked to increased inflammation, oxidative stress, and long-term disease risk.
How is Lakadi Ghana oil different, and how is it made?
Lakadi Ghana oil is produced via **traditional cold‐press methods**, without solvents or harsh chemicals.
• **Cold Pressing**:
• Oilseeds (like sesame or groundnut) are gently pressed at low temperatures.
• This mechanical extraction preserves natural lipids, vitamins, polyphenols, and antioxidants.
• **No Chemical Refining**:
• No degumming, no bleaching, no deodorization.
• The oil retains a full, rich flavor profile and natural nutrients.
• After pressing, the crude oil is filtered at a low temperature of approximately 45°C to remove any residual seed particles, ensuring clarity without losing micronutrients.
What are the benefits of Lakadi Ghana oil?
• **Nutrient-Rich**: Cold pressing preserves vitamin E, polyphenols, and Healthy fatty acids that support heart health and immunity.
• **No Trans Fats**: No high-temperature deodorization means zero trans fatty acids.
• **Antioxidant Power**: Natural antioxidants (tocopherols, lignans) remain intact, helping reduce oxidative stress.
• **Flavorful Aroma**: Retains characteristic nutty/seed aroma—enhances salads, dips, and light sautéing.
• **Digestive Comfort**: zero chemical residues, making it easier to digest and less likely cannot irritate the digestive tract.
• **Balanced Fat Profile**: Provides a healthier ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids compared to many refined oils.
How does the cost of Lakadi Ghana oil compare to refined oil?
• Chemical-Free Production: extracted with traditional lakadi Ghana cold pressed method make this oil rich source of natural nutrients. • **Low-Temperature Process (@ 40-45 Degree): Cold pressing ensures vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants remain intact. • **Reduced Oxidation: Minimal exposure to high heat prevents rancidity and formation of harmful compounds. • **Natural Flavor Profile: Rich, nutty aroma enhances dishes without masking natural taste. • **Health-Driven Formulation: Siddhatva sources premium seeds from Maharashtra based farms, ensuring consistent quality and traceability. • zero Environmental Impact*: No chemical effluents or bleaching clays—more eco-friendly than large‐scale refining plants. By choosing Lakadi Ghana oil, you get a superior nutritional profile, better taste, and no health risks as compared to chemically refined oils available in markets.
What makes Siddhatva’s Lakadi Ghana oil a better, healthier option than refined oil?
• **Chemical-Free Production**: No hexane extraction—oil is purely mechanical, retaining natural nutrients.
• **Low-Temperature Process**: Cold pressing ensures vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants remain intact.
• **Reduced Oxidation**: Minimal exposure to high heat prevents rancidity and formation of harmful compounds.
• **Natural Flavor Profile**: Rich, nutty aroma enhances dishes without masking natural taste.
• **Health-Driven Formulation**: Siddhatva sources premium seeds, ensuring consistent quality and traceability.
• **Environmental Impact**: No chemical effluents or bleaching clays—more eco-friendly than large‐scale refining plants.
By choosing Lakadi Ghana oil, you get a superior nutritional profile, better taste, and fewer health risks compared to chemically refined oils.