In today’s busy world, mental health has become as important as physical health. Stress, anxiety, and fatigue have become everyday challenges for people across all age groups. While meditation, exercise, and therapy often take the spotlight in discussions on mental well-being, one vital aspect that is often overlooked is diet. What we eat directly affects the brain, mood, and overall emotional balance.
Among the various nutrients that influence mental wellness, healthy fats hold a special place. Our brain is nearly 60% fat, and the quality of fats we consume determines how efficiently our brain cells function. This is where cold-pressed oils come in. Unlike refined oils that lose their nutritional value during processing, cold-pressed oils retain essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants—nourishing the brain and uplifting mood naturally.
The brain requires a steady supply of healthy fats to produce neurotransmitters, maintain fluidity in cell membranes, and protect against inflammation. Diets rich in natural oils are associated with improved memory, better stress management, and reduced risks of depression.
Cold-pressed oils are particularly valuable because they preserve “living nutrients” such as Vitamin E, Omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. These components fight oxidative stress, improve circulation, and promote hormonal balance—all crucial for mental health.
When incorporated into daily meals, such oils don’t just fuel the body but also calm the mind, stabilize mood swings, and sharpen focus.
Rich in monounsaturated fats and Vitamin E, cold pressed groundnut oil supports healthy blood flow to the brain. This ensures that neurons receive sufficient oxygen and nutrients, leading to sharper focus and reduced mental fatigue. Its antioxidants also protect brain cells from premature aging. For people dealing with stress from long workdays or academic pressure, groundnut oil can act as a stabilizer for calm, consistent energy.
Known for its strong aroma and therapeutic properties, cold pressed mustard oil contains Omega-3 fatty acids that enhance brain cell communication. Omega-3s are particularly linked to reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, making mustard oil a natural choice for mental clarity and emotional resilience. Traditional massages with mustard oil are also said to stimulate circulation and refresh the mind.
Often referred to as the “Queen of Oils” in Ayurveda, cold pressed sesame oil has been used for thousands of years to calm the nervous system. Its high magnesium content helps regulate neurotransmitters, promoting relaxation and better sleep. Sesame oil massages, recommended in Ayurveda, are known to soothe the mind, reduce anxiety, and uplift mood—proving that ancient practices hold timeless relevance.
Milder in taste yet equally nutritious, cold pressed yellow mustard oil is rich in Omega-3s and antioxidants that support both mental and physical vitality. Its subtle profile makes it suitable for children and the elderly, gently balancing mood, energy, and emotional health. It is also a wonderful oil for light cooking that promotes overall harmony in the body and mind.
Oxidative stress is one of the hidden enemies of mental health. Free radicals damage brain cells, contributing to memory issues, low mood, and even neurodegenerative conditions over time. Cold-pressed oils are loaded with natural antioxidants that neutralize free radicals, protecting the brain’s delicate networks.
For example:
Vitamin E in groundnut and sesame oils safeguards neurons.
Sesamol in sesame oil reduces inflammation and supports cognitive function.
Plant sterols in mustard oils improve circulation and regulate mood hormones.
By consistently consuming these oils, you give your brain a protective shield against stress, fatigue, and long-term decline.
Mental stress often leads to hormonal imbalances that trigger mood swings, irritability, and exhaustion. Cold-pressed oils play a subtle yet profound role in regulating hormones like serotonin and dopamine, which are responsible for happiness and relaxation.
For instance, sesame oil massages are recommended in Ayurveda to calm Vata dosha, often associated with anxiety and restlessness. Similarly, Omega-3-rich mustard oils naturally reduce inflammation in the brain, promoting a calmer and more balanced emotional state.
Cooking Medium: Replace refined oils with cold-pressed ones in daily cooking to nourish the brain with natural fats.
Salad Dressings: Add a spoonful of sesame or mustard oil to salads for raw, nutrient-rich benefits.
Oil Pulling: Swishing sesame oil in the mouth not only supports oral health but also helps detoxify the body, indirectly boosting mental clarity.
Massage Rituals: Warm oil massages with sesame or mustard oils can reduce stress, improve sleep, and refresh the mind.
Morning Boost: A teaspoon of groundnut oil on an empty stomach (consulting a physician first) is a traditional tonic for energy and mental strength.
Our ancestors intuitively understood the connection between oils and mental health. Whether it was sesame oil in Ayurveda, mustard oil in Indian households, or groundnut oil in traditional recipes, oils were never seen as just cooking mediums—they were remedies for the body and soul.
Modern research now validates these practices, proving that diets rich in natural fats lower risks of depression, enhance memory, and improve resilience to stress. By returning to cold-pressed oils, we honor this timeless wisdom while addressing today’s mental health challenges naturally.
At Yugansh, we craft oils with the belief that purity is non-negotiable. Extracted using the traditional wooden Kolhu method, our oils retain all their natural vitamins, antioxidants, and flavors. No chemicals, no artificial processing—just honest oils that carry forward the wisdom of generations.
When you choose Yugansh oils, you don’t just choose cooking essentials; you choose mental clarity, calmness, and long-term wellness.
Mental well-being is a delicate balance of lifestyle, emotions, and nutrition. While therapy, exercise, and mindfulness practices remain vital, the food we eat can be the simplest yet most powerful way to nurture the mind.
By incorporating oils like cold pressed groundnut oil, cold pressed mustard oil, cold pressed sesame oil, and cold pressed yellow mustard oil into daily routines, you provide your brain with the nourishment it needs to stay focused, calm, and resilient.
The secret to better mood, sharper memory, and reduced stress may not lie in expensive supplements—it may simply be in the oil you drizzle into your pan or massage onto your skin. Quality oils are not just about physical health; they are about peace of mind, emotional strength, and holistic well-being.
