Groundnut oil, also known as peanut oil, is a common culinary oil used throughout the world, especially in Asia, Africa, and America. Used in almost all food products for functional purposes due to its neutral flavor and high smoke point, groundnut oil is also used due to its many health benefits. Soaked with an abundance of monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and essential vitamins, it can become a healthy part of the diet of any individual.
What is Groundnut Oil?
Groundnut Oil is a vegetable oil that is derived from peanuts. It is utilized to fry, cook, and make salad dressing. It is one of the basic ingredients that most kitchens typically have, particularly in African and Asian cooking, as it has no taste and does get burn easily due to its high smoking point. It exists in different forms, i.e., non-refined and refined. It is more often heated because of its high smoke point, but Groundnut Oil is not only refined, but also healthy.
Nutrient Composition
Groundnut Oil mostly consists of fatty acids, most of which are monounsaturated fats. Multifaceted fats, most of which are omega-6 fatty acids, also occur in it. Below is a breakdown of its major constituents:
- Monounsaturated Fats: 48-52%
- Polyunsaturated Fats: 32-38%
- Saturated Fats: 14-20%
- Omega-6 Fatty Acids: 32% (largely linoleic acid)
- Vitamin E: Peanut oil has high concentrations of this powerful antioxidant.
This perfect ratio of fats makes it a nutritious oil that will more than likely be used in small amounts.
Potential Benefits of Groundnut Oil
Groundnut oil is drawn from peanut seeds and has always been consumed due to its neutral taste, a high smoke point, and numerous health benefits. It is one of the most desirable cooking oils to be processed from peanut seeds and its 10 major health benefits of oil are listed below:
Supports Heart Health:
- Groundnut Oil carries monounsaturated fats that are reported to have cardio-protective effects.
- These decrease the LDL (bad) cholesterol while increasing the HDL (good) cholesterol.
- These increase more favorable overall profiles of cholesterol that reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
- The heart-protective effects also come from antioxidant vitamin E.
Rich in Vitamin E
- Another unknown benefit of Groundnut Oil is that it's rich in vitamin E.
- Vitamin E is an antioxidant vitamin that stops the damage to cells by free radicals.
- It also helps in immune function, skin well-being and the fight against chronic diseases such as cancer.
- Groundnut Oil intake can provide the body with the perfect level of vitamin E and maintain the body's health.
Reduces Inflammation
- Peanut oil contains high concentrations of antioxidants in the form of vitamin E with anti-inflammatory activity.
- Chronic inflammation has been associated with a wide range of related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, arthritis and autoimmune diseases.
- Peanut oil consumption must minimize body inflammation and result in generalized improvement of health.
Improves Insulin Sensitivity
- There is some evidence that certain research has discovered that eating peanut oil sensitizes the body to insulin.
- Body sensitivity to insulin is a reflection of how well the body is capable of responding to insulin in a manner that will be able to regulate blood sugar.
- Increased sensitivity towards insulin can be advantageous for patients having type 2 diabetes or those who are predisposed to type 2 diabetes.
Enhances Skin Health
- Groundnut Oil is likely to be included in skin preparations as it can condition the skin.
- Groundnut Oil is full of vitamin E, and used as a sun protection factor, protects the skin against sun damage, fading scars and keeps the skin intact.
- Groundnut Oil keeps the skin silky soft and smooth
Boosts Brain Health
- Groundnut Oil also includes resveratrol, a nutrient shown to enhance circulation.
- Good circulation keeps the brain oxygenated and nourished for the amount it needs and puts it in optimal condition.
- Daily intake of Groundnut Oil can encourage a healthy brain and prevent disease due to age.
Promotes Hair Growth
- Massaging the hair scalp with peanut oil also encourages healthy hair growth.
- With its content of antioxidants, fatty acids, and nutrients, the scalp would also be in a position to deal with dryness and redness, thereby leading to lustrous and healthy hair.
Improves Digestive Health
- Groundnut Oil has high levels of anti-inflammatory agents that can soothe the digestive system.
- It is capable of inhibiting intestinal inflammation, and this leads to effective digestion as well as having good general gut health.
- It has mildness that is suited best for persons with sensitive gut tracts.
Supports Weight Loss
- Groundnut oil, although being calorie-rich, monounsaturated fats present in the oil help in weight control.
- These fats can promote satiety, helping you feel fuller for longer periods.
- Groundnut oil is a part of a healthy diet taken in moderation and leads to loss of weight or weight management off.
Strengthen Bones
- Groundnut Oil also has magnesium as a mineral, which can never be deficient in maintaining bones intact.
- Magnesium assists in maintaining dense bones and guarding against osteoporosis by causing a tendency and maintain healthy bones.
- Groundnut Oil, if taken regularly, will ensure hard and healthy bones.
Other Applications of Groundnut Oil
Groundnut Oil, in addition to its cooking purpose, can otherwise be applied as follows:
- Cosmetic Use: It is applied in some cosmetics due to its moisturizing and antioxidant contents.
- Body Massage: Groundnut oil is usually given as it is a soothing product for the skin and also leaves a silky finish on the skin.
- Hair Care: It is applied to hair or on the scalp in a manner in which the hairs receive the nutrition to grow.
Groundnut Oil, as not merely a multi-purpose cooking oil, but also as an encapsulation of various nutrients, is bound to have a positive effect on the various facets of health. However, as is the case with all oils, even its requirement has to be kept in check so that calorie consumption needs to be under control at all times. As long as you maintain the oil within