Virgin plant Oils are lipid extracts of plants obtained by pressing plants, cold or hot, or by maceration, in order to obtain the oil.
It is recommended to use Virgin plant oils obtained by cold pressing, an exclusively mechanical extraction method which preserves the full content of essential fatty acids and natural antioxidants (vitamin E), which therefore does not require any additives.
A first cold pressing actually gives a real oleaginous “fruit juice”.
Note that we generally prefer Virgin plant oils with a "virgin" quality. This specific term means that the oil has been cold-pressed, has not been clarified by physical or mechanical means, and has not been chemically refined. Pay attention to labels because even if it says "natural oil" or "unrefined oil," it may have been hot-pressed for commercial reasons and the finished product will not be as rich in nutrients. If the oil is certified organic or virgin, this is a good purchasing criterion.
For beauty
Virgin plant oils have been traditionally used for skin care since ancient times, and they work wonders on the skin. They are rich in fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, K, E) that protect the skin from aging and promote cellular metabolism. Oils also nourish the skin from within if consumed orally. They contain essential fatty acids (the famous omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids) that promote the metabolism of bones, muscles, and blood vessels. Consuming EFAs from the omega-3 group, for example, is very useful for preventing cardiovascular disease and stimulating the brain. EFAs from the omega-6 group, on the other hand, are especially known for reducing bad cholesterol levels.
For health
Our diet can be unbalanced because our Western lifestyle favors omega-6 EFAs over omega-3s. Such imbalances are sometimes the source of chronic diseases or serious disorders. Don't hesitate to consume Virgin plant oils and mix them for your care and in your diet. On the blog, we will talk more about Virgin plant oils and give recipes, but first, let's remember the great classics:
- argan oil for weakened hair and nails
- jojoba oil for combination or acne-prone skin
- rapeseed oil for its good balance of omega 3
- hazelnut oil for its delicious taste
