Groundnuts or peanuts have always been our go-to for sudden hunger pangs. While on a road trip, a visit to the fair, or craving for some salty and crunchy delights, we would always go for the very cheap but filling groundnuts. But groundnuts or peanuts as a cold-pressed oil? What are the benefits of groundnut oil? We know you have got a lot of questions, but worry not! We have all the answers.
In a market brimming with cold-pressed oils of different sources and multiple benefits, it is normal to get confused. So why choose Cold-pressed Groundnut/Peanut oil? And what are its uses? Go on, read till the end!
How is Cold-pressed Groundnut/Peanut oil made?
Peanut seeds and fruits grow under the ground, and that is why it is called groundnut. Groundnut oil is a vegetable oil derived from this oil. Oil can be derived through many techniques, but the cold-pressed method is one of the very best. In this method, you grind and crush the nuts to force the oil out of them. It is performed at a low temperature, thus the name “cold-pressed”. The process does not involve heat, therefore, the oil retains its nutritional value and has a strong aroma and taste of peanuts.
Benefits of Cold-Pressed Groundnut Oil
1. Improves Heart Health
Peanut oil has a high level of monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fats. Both of them have shown a potential quality of preventing heart health. These fats help increase the good cholesterol or HDL, which is essential in scraping off the bad cholesterol or LDL. In this way, the oil reduces the risk of heart diseases and helps you move towards better heart health.
2. A Good Source of Vitamin E
One of the many benefits of Groundnut oil is that it is high in Vitamin E content. A tablespoon of the oil contains 11% of the recommended Vit. E level required daily. Studies have found that Vitamin E protects the body from free radicals. Free radicals, if they grow high in number, can cause damage to cells and lead to cancer and heart diseases.
Many studies have also found that high intake of Vit. E can also reduce age-related cataracts. It also helps to boost your immune system and combat disease-causing virus and bacteria.
3. Helps to Control Diabetes
Groundnut oil has oleic acid, which can help in better insulin production. That is why it can help in reducing blood sugar levels. The polyunsaturated fats also help in better secretion of insulin, and therefore control diabetes.
4. Reduces the Risk of Cancer
The Vitamin E content in Groundnut oil helps combat free radicals. Free radicals are responsible for chronic diseases like cancer when they are too many in the body. Several studies have claimed that unsaturated fats in nuts help prevent cancer. Groundnut oil also contains phytosterols and beta-sitosterols that can prevent the growth of cancer cells in the body.
5. Reduces the Chances of Age-related illnesses
The Vit. E content in groundnut/peanut oil helps in reducing age-related illnesses over a while. It can help reduce the chances of cataracts and cognitive illnesses like Alzheimer’s disease.
6. Promotes better Skin and Hair Care
Vitamin E in Groundnut Oil promotes better skin and hair health. It makes your skin maintain a youthful glow, prevent wrinkles and other signs of aging. It has benefits for your hair as well, as it makes it stronger, luscious, and shiny.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can there be health risks for Groundnut Oil?
Well, we must agree that too much of something can never be too good for you, and that goes the same with Groundnut oil. It is high in Omega-6 fatty acids that can cause inflammation and lead to heart diseases.
- Can Cold-pressed peanut oil cause allergies?
Not necessarily, but better not to risk it. If you are prone to allergies to peanuts, then you should avoid peanut oil for the sake of your health. Cold-pressed peanut oil is the most naturally procured form of the oil, and it might have a negative effect when consumed by someone allergic to it.
- Can Peanut Oil cause obesity?
Peanut oil is genuinely better than many other vegetable oils available in the market. However, it contains enough fatty acids to cause obesity over time. It is always better to regulate your consumption of oils to maintain your health and fitness.
- Can I use Peanut/Groundnut Oil for high-temperature cooking?
Peanut Oil is best suited for sauteing, light frying, and adding flavor to your food. It might not be the best for high-temperature cooking as it tends to oxidize. And what happens when peanut oil oxidizes? It can lead to forming many free radicals, which in turn will be hazardous for health and lead to diseases like cancer. It is best suited for adding a nice flavor to salads and stir-fries. You can opt for olive oil or vegetable oil for high-temperature cooking.