Cold-pressed oils give us immune benefiting components, antioxidants, and have substances that trigger the inflame/anti-inflame healing process, and more.
There are two fatty acids that are absolutely essential to the body, meaning the body cannot make them on its own:
- Linoleic Acid (LA) — Omega 6
- Alpha-linolenic Acid (ALA) — Omega 3
There are four other fatty acids that are conditionally essential, meaning it is POSSIBLE to derive them from the other two, with the right cofactors:
- Gamma-linolenic Acid (GLA)
- Arachidonic Acid (AA)
- Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)
- Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)
All fats and oils are some combinations of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
With that, let’s identify the most beneficial of the cold-pressed oils.
1. Coconut oil
Oh, Coconut oil! Coconut oil is an anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-parasitic. It contains lauric acid which is a precursor to monolaurin…an anti-microbial active fat. Lauric acid is also present in breast milk. It is protective against infection and is good for the healthy bacteria in your colon (where most of your immune system is housed). Watch out for liquid coconut oil or MCT oil though. Both are coconut oil imposters!
Monolaurin is effective against pathogens such as Candida Albicans, helicobacter pylori, HIV virus, measles virus, herpes virus, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, influenza, and more. Coconut oil also contains fatty acids, caprylic acid, and myristic acid, which are also antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-fungal.
It’s great for cooking, athletic energy, moisturizing, oil pulling, just to name a few of its hundreds of uses. Best of all, coconut oil provides long-lasting energy without the weight gain.
It is good to have coconut oil on a regular basis. If you are using it therapeutically, an adult will need to consume from 3 to 8 tablespoons a day. As with any oil, it is super important that you know how it is processed. Virgin coconut oil is best and is suitable to be cooked with as it has a high heat tolerance.
2. Olive oil
Cold-pressed, extra virgin olive oil is introduced in Stage 4 of the GAPS Introduction Diet and is applied as an important part of every GAPS meal…with good reason. Olive oil is an oil that humans have used for centuries with healthful results.
It is full of antioxidants, like natural Vitamin E, which defend your cells and tissues from free radical damage. It has healing and anti-inflammatory effects, stimulates bile flow (important for the digestion of fats and for avoiding constipation), stimulates the production of the liver and pancreatic enzymes, and has anti-cancer effects, as well antibacterial and antiviral properties. It’s been shown to improve brain cell maturing and function.
It doesn’t have much in the way of the two essential fatty acids…which shows there are other components that are important besides Omega-3 and Omega-6…such as beta carotene, chlorophyll, squalene, phytosterols, triterpenic substances, etc.
It’s also a good source of oleic acid (Omega-9) which can help strengthen the TH1 arm of the immune system (allergies and autoimmune are a sign of TH2 dominance). These important substances are easily destroyed by refining and heat.
I recommend olive oil be bought, and served, unrefined, cold-pressed, and raw as it is sensitive to heat damage.
Look for organic, unrefined extra virgin olive oil from a company you can trust as most of the olive oil on the market has been blended with cheaper vegetable oils.
Extra virgin usually means that the olive oil has been processed at low temperatures, without chemicals. Unfiltered is best.
Among the many uses for olive oil is eliminating excess earwax. If your kiddos have wax in their ears, a couple of drops of olive oil, 2x a day for 1 – 2 weeks, will do wonders.
Olive oil, infused with garlic, and/or mullein oil, can help treat ear infection as well.
Source: Healthy Home Economist
