It is not as easy as it seems to select the perfect oil to use in your kitchen. You may come across an Indian grocery store, and you will find that many bottles are being displayed. Many others, such as Mustard Oil, Sunflower Oil, Rice Bran Oil, Groundnut Oil. Each brand boasts of being heart-friendly, light, or perfect for day-to-day use. However, under the glittering wrapping, there is really one more vital thing, and that is what kind of thing actually does good to the body.
Filtered and refined groundnut oil are one of the most controversial products. Some claim that filtered groundnut oil is more natural, but some like to use refined groundnut oil because of its neutral taste and its shelf life.
Filtered Groundnut Oil: An Ancient Alternative with Possible Present Benefits
Indian cuisine has been using groundnut oil (peanut oil) throughout history. It is not only complemented by its mildly nutty taste, but also its high smoke point, so it is also a good choice when it comes to preparing puris, pakoras, and parathas.
Nutritionally, Groundnut Oil contains monounsaturated fats that are healthy to the heart, and Vitamin E that is good for cell health and skin care. Groundnut oil is also a good source of good fats and can be used in stir-frying, snacks, or in Indian curries.
When one speaks of filtered groundnut oil, most people refer to cold-pressed or lightly processed oil. Groundnut Oil is extracted from peanuts, and the oil is pressed without any efficient chemicals or procedures. It is then filtered to remove the seed and dust particles, although most of its natural nutrients are not removed.
It is an improved option in case you are cooking at low to moderate heat. A lot of the families use filtered oil because it is more like what the forefathers used and is more purified.
There is, however, a reverse side as well. The groundnut oil that is not treated with chemicals has a lower shelf life. It may not suit all recipes either, since it may develop its own unique nutty taste. Moreover, filtered oil is less viscous or has a lower smoke point; hence, it is not the best choice to use in deep frying at very high temperatures.
Refined Groundnut Oil: Convenient But Less Nutritious
Refined Oil is oil that has been subjected to chemicals, bleach, and deodorisation methods to appear clear, extended, and to be able to have no taste. Refined groundnut oil is consumed by people in large quantities since it does not take on the smell of peanuts and can remain unchanged even when it is frequently consumed in frying.
Refined Oil is ideal for deep frying as well as commercial purposes since it has a long life span and smoke point. This is one of the reasons why refined oil is widely used in packaged food and the restaurant industries.
But the dark side is important. The majority of the natural vitamins, antioxidants, and tastes are lost in the refining process. Polished oil may be nice and easy to use, but it has little nutritive value. When taken in large quantities, Refined Oil has, in fact, been linked to inflammation, lack of cholesterol balance, and other lifestyle-related issues.
Groundnut Filtered Oil vs Refined Oil: How We Cook Every Day
Refined groundnut oil may appear to be a better product that can be of help to a busy family than directly. It is nice to fry a lot of nibbles, it does not stink, and it does not spoil very easily. It is preferred by many people, therefore, as a convenience.
However, when health is your priority, then Refined Oil loses mark then filtered groundnut oil. You could be spending less time and avoiding intense taste; however, you are also losing antioxidants, vitamins, and natural ingredients. It would be unwise to over time depend on refined oil and damage your heart and metabolic condition.
If you want to learn more about the health benefits of groundnut oil in your daily diet, read our article here: Groundnut Oil is a Healthy Choice for Your Diet.
Filtered Oil vs Refined Oil: Winner Takes All?
The actual controversy is Filtered Oil vs Refined Oil. On paper, refined oil is the winner due to its stability and shelf life. However, filtered oil is the obvious winner in health.
Mostly, an expert will suggest Filtered Groundnut Oil to be used in day-to-day cooking and Refined Groundnut Oil to be used in rare situations where deep frying is involved. In so doing, you bring nutrition and convenience together.
How to Use Groundnut Oil Safely
Whether you choose Filtered Oil or Refined Oil, moderation is key. Nutritionists suggest not relying on one oil alone. For example:
- Use Groundnut Oil for sautéing and stir-frying.
- Consider switching to Mustard Oil or rice bran oil occasionally to balance the ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fats.
- Keep ghee or coconut oil for special regional dishes.
- Avoid using Refined Oil for everyday cooking, especially if health is a concern.
Rotating oils ensures that your body gets a mix of different nutrients without depending too much on one.
Filtered Groundnut Oil vs Refined Groundnut Oil: Which is Best?
It is not as easy as it seems to select the perfect oil to use in your kitchen. You may come across an Indian grocery store, and you will find that many bottles are being displayed. Many others, such as Mustard Oil, Sunflower Oil, Rice Bran Oil, Groundnut Oil. Each brand boasts of being heart-friendly, light, or perfect in day-to-day use. However, under the glittering wrapping, there is really one more vital thing, and that is what kind of thing actually does good to the body.
Filtered Groundnut oil and refined groundnut oil are some of the most controversial products. Some claim that filtered groundnut oil is more natural, but some like to use refined oil because of its neutral taste and its shelf life.
Which Oil Should You Pick, Filtered Groundnut Oil or the Refined Groundnut Oil?
Which at the store should you have in your kitchen, the Filtered Groundnut Oil or the Refined Groundnut Oil? In case you value nutrition, natural antioxidants, and a more natural way of life, filtered groundnut oil is the obvious option. It also protects your heart and overall health, although it may not be as good as deep frying, and it has less shelf life.
It is not the end of the day yet, and oil is just one simple ingredient of your daily food intake. It is about balance, diversity, and moderation. Hence, always add filtered groundnut oil, replace it with other oils, and enjoy your meals without any remorse.