The Healthiest Oils You Can Add to Your Diet

Most of us think of oils as something we heat, fry, or temper food with. But long before modern nutrition labels existed, traditional systems like Ayurveda viewed certain oils as functional foods, consumed in tiny amounts to support immunity, digestion, metabolism, and brain health.

What makes these oils special is their natural composition: essential fatty acids, fat-soluble antioxidants, and bioactive compounds that work at a cellular level. When used consistently, in drops not spoons, they act more like daily wellness supplements than cooking oils.

The catch? These benefits exist only when the oil is pure and cold pressed. Excess heat, chemical refining, and deodorising destroy the very compounds that make these oils effective. That’s why traditionally extracted, cold pressed oils retain their original strength and purpose.

Below are some of the most powerful cold pressed healthcare oils you can include in your daily routine:

1. Cold Pressed Kalonji Oil – The Black Seed That Does It All

Often called “the seed of blessing”, kalonji (blackseed) oil has been used for centuries across Ayurveda, Unani, and Middle Eastern medicine. Ancient texts famously describe it as an oil that supports the body against almost every imbalance.

What makes kalonji oil unique is thymoquinone, a naturally occurring compound studied for its immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory properties. Instead of overstimulating immunity, it helps regulate immune response, making it especially valuable in today’s lifestyle driven health issues.

Regular intake of cold pressed kalonji oil has been associated with:

• Stronger immune system

• Better blood sugar regulation and lipid balance

• Improved gut health by supporting digestion and reducing bloating

• Reduced nflammation linked to fatigue and joint discomfort

How to use:
½ teaspoon daily with warm water, preferably on an empty stomach.

2. Cold Pressed Malkangani Oil – Fuel for the Brain & Joints

Known as Jyotishmati in Ayurveda, malkangani oil has traditionally been used to support memory, focus, and nervous system health. Its name literally translates to “the oil that lights the intellect.”

Malkangani seeds contain natural compounds that help improve nerve conductivity and circulation, which is why this oil is often recommended for mental fatigue, joint stiffness, and age-related cognitive decline.

When used consistently, it may help:

• Improve concentration, memory recall, and mental clarity

• Support joint lubrication and reduce stiffness

• Calm the nervous system and ease stress-related tension

• Enhance overall mobility when used internally or externally

How to use:
Few drops with warm milk or water.
For joint discomfort, gently massage externally on affected areas.

3. Cold Pressed Flaxseed Oil – The Plant-Based Omega-3 Essential

Flaxseed oil is one of the richest vegetarian sources of Omega-3 fatty acids, especially ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). These fats are essential because the body cannot produce them on its own.

Omega-3s play a key role in reducing inflammation, supporting heart health, and improving metabolic function. Unlike fish oil, flaxseed oil is plant-based, clean, and easier to digest, making it ideal for vegetarians.

Cold pressed flaxseed oil may help:

• Support heart health and healthy cholesterol balance

• Improve gut health and digestion

• Support weight management by improving fat metabolism

• Promote healthy skin and hormonal balance

How to use:
½ teaspoon daily. Add to smoothies, salads, or consume directly. (Do not heat.)

4. Cold Pressed Neem Oil – Ayurveda’s Natural Detox Agent

Neem is known for its intensely bitter taste, and that bitterness is exactly what makes it powerful. In Ayurveda, bitter substances are believed to support detoxification, liver function, and blood purification.

Cold pressed neem oil contains natural antibacterial and antifungal compounds that help the body manage internal and external toxins.

Traditionally, neem oil is used to:

• Support liver and blood cleansing

• Help the body fight bacterial and fungal imbalances

• Improve skin health when applied externally

• Support overall detox routines

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are cold pressed healthcare oils safe for daily consumption?

Yes, when used in small, recommended quantities, cold pressed healthcare oils are safe for daily use. These oils have traditionally been consumed as part of Ayurvedic wellness routines for generations.

2. Can these oils be taken on an empty stomach?

Most healthcare oils such as kalonji oil and flaxseed oil are best taken on an empty stomach or early in the morning for better absorption. However, some people may prefer taking them with warm water or milk to improve digestion and tolerance.

3. How long does it take to see results from healthcare oils?

Unlike medicines that offer quick relief, healthcare oils work gradually and holistically. With regular use, many people begin noticing improvements in digestion, energy levels, joint comfort, or immunity within 3–6 weeks, depending on lifestyle and body type.

4. Why should healthcare oils be cold pressed and not refined?

Cold pressing preserves the oil’s natural fatty acids, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds. Refined oils undergo high heat and chemical processing, which strips away most of their nutritional and therapeutic value. For healthcare purposes, cold pressed oils are far superior.