Call them groundnuts, peanuts, moongfali, monkey nuts or pygmy nuts, whatever you like. These little bean-shaped nuts have been around for centuries adding flavour to our meals. You have been snacking groundnuts in chikkis, cookies, peanut butter, pudding, curries and more. Why not include it among your cooking oils?
Now, if you're wondering, 'Is groundnut oil actually good for my health?' Well, then you have come to the right place. The below article highlights the whole range of health benefits that groundnut oil brings to the table.
It's packed with essential nutrients and healthy fats that can do wonders for your well-being. So, why not give it a try and see how it adds a delicious and nutritious twist to your culinary adventures?
Wood-pressed groundnut oil has been an integral part of Indian cuisine. Mostly produced and consumed in the central parts of India, they have marked their presence globally too! Unrefined groundnut oil has a high concentration of unsaturated fatty acids, a high smoking point, and is good for cardiovascular conditions.
If you are looking to include a few oils for healthy and hearty results, it's time to give wood-pressed groundnut oil a chance!
Let’s start with the very basic question first:
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What is Groundnut Oil?
Groundnuts or peanuts are first deshelled to get the seeds. Then, after several steps of cleaning, drying, roasting, and pressing the oil is extracted from the groundnuts. The scientific name of groundnut is Arachis hypogaea. It's a legume plant known for producing peanuts.
The traditional method of making groundnut oil involves the use of wood pressing, in which the cleaned and segregated seeds are pressed slowly and the oil is released. However, this method doesn't yield a high quantity of oil, so it's not commonly used in mass production by companies.
For large-scale production of groundnut oil, companies prefer machine milling and churning. The oil extracted is then called refined groundnut oil.
How is Cold Pressed Groundnut Oil Different From Refined Groundnut Oil?
Groundnut oil is extracted from the groundnut seeds through two types of pressing methods: the refined method and the wood-pressed or cold-pressed method.
The refined groundnut oil is treated at a very high temperature(180- 200 degrees Celcius) causing heavy loss of Vitamin E, sterol, wheat germ phenol, phospholipids, organoleptic properties, and other nutritional factors.
While wood-pressed groundnut oil is treated at a much lower temperature (60- 70 degrees Celcius) and does not lose nutrients in the extraction process.
The wood-pressed groundnut oil has a subtler fragrance than refined groundnut oil. That’s one of the reasons why people fall for refined groundnut oil.
Let’s see the nutritional profile of groundnut oil and its fat composition as per a report from the National Institute of Food Technology and Entrepreneurship Management.
Groundnut oil's nutritional value per 100g
- Calories 899 kcal
- Total fat 100gm
- Saturated Fat 22gm
- Mono Unsaturated Fat 44gm
- Poly Unsaturated Fat 34 gm
The Fatty Acid Composition of Groundnut Oil
Groundnut oil has 80% unsaturated fatty acids, or mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MOFU) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (POFU), and 20% saturated fatty acids.
MOFU and POFU are made of oleic acid, palmitic acid, and linoleic acid.
In 100 grams of groundnut oil, there is 50% Oleic acid, 30 % linoleic acid, and 14 to 20% palmitic acid
Groundnut/peanut oil is also a good source of Vit E, omega-6 fatty acids, phytosterols, and antioxidants.
Aren’t you eager to know about the health benefits of wood-pressed groundnut oil? Well, look no further as that’s the next thing!
Is Groundnut Oil Good For Health?
Groundnut oil has numerous health benefits and great healing properties. It has been used in naturopathy and ayurveda, and studies also support the use of groundnut oil to improve various health conditions.
Let’s see the health benefits of groundnut oil so you can decide for yourself: is groundnut oil good for health or not?
7 Benefits of Groundnut Oil
Certainly, groundnut oil offers a range of health benefits. Here are a few listed below:
Helps in Lowering High Blood Pressure
Groundnut contains resveratrol, which lowers high blood pressure and relieves the blood pressure in the heart. Groundnut/peanut oil has a calming effect on the nervous system and aids in good metabolism.
Helps in Improving Heart Health
Groundnut oil has high levels of unsaturated fats and vitamin E, which promote blood circulation around the heart. Vitamin E also saves the heart from damage done by chemicals.
Groundnut Oil Consumption also Lowers the Risk of Breast, Prostate and Colon Cancer
Groundnut oil contains a phytochemical called Beta-sitosterol, which has anti-cancer properties and may fight tumour cells and ward off cancer.
Helps in Maintaining Low Cholesterol Level
Groundnut oil has zero cholesterol and a very low quantity of saturated fats. The Phytosterol present in wood-pressed groundnut oil reduces cholesterol deposits in the body. This makes it ideal for people with high cholesterol levels and heart conditions.
Groundnut oil is often recommended to people who have undergone bypass surgery, angioplasty, or heart attacks.
Groundnut Oil is Used in Aromatherapy and Body Massages
Groundnut oil is a go-to oil to relax joint muscles. It has Linoleic acid, which stimulates prostaglandin to relax and contract blood vessels in the affected area.
The sweet and nutty fragrance of Groundnut oil helps to relax and makes it perfect for aromatherapy.
Groundnut oil helps babies grow strong and healthy joints and bones when used as a massage oil.
Groundnut Oil Provides Skin Care
Helps to get rid of acne and blackheads by moisturizing your skin and curing any inflammation and itchiness. It works on pores and prevents blackheads from growing.
It has anti-ageing properties due to the presence of Vit E and antioxidants. Groundnut oil is also widely used to cure chapped lips.
Groundnut Helps in Maintaining Hair Health
Have you noticed the luscious braids of people living in southern parts of India? They include groundnut oil and curry leaves in their diet, and their hair oiling routine.
Both work wonders for dandruff, hair fall, thinning hair, split ends, and more. The Vit E-rich groundnut oil easily penetrates hair follicles and repairs the strands.
Groundnut Oil Can Reduce the Chances of Alzheimer's Condition and Maintains Brain Health
Groundnut oil is a good source of Vit E, B3 and resveratrol. These compounds are known to slow down the effects of Alzheimer's and maintain brain health by improving neural health.
These are just a few benefits of groundnut oil to give you a glimpse of its goodness. Are you still not sure if groundnut oil is good for your health or not? Well, there is still more to uncover; continue reading!
Let's see where to use this oil!
How to Use Groundnut Oil in the Correct Way
Groundnut oil can be used easily in cooking. It has a high smoking point. So, you don’t have to worry about losing any of its nutrients to high heat or burnt taste.
You can easily replace your regular refined oil with groundnut oil and enjoy its nutty flavour. Use it to saute vegetables, make poha, pancakes, cheela, deep fry french fries, fritters, cutlets, or bake nutrient-rich bread or cupcakes from it; the options are endless.
So, are you ready to give this oil a place on your kitchen shelves yet?
Pro Tip: Don’t go overboard while consuming any oil. Even Ayurveda and today’s nutritionists recommend using multiple oils in our diet for balanced nutritional growth. Try to include oils: safflower, flaxseed, groundnut, ghee, sesame, etc. in your cooking!
Disclaimer : There aren’t many major side effects associated with peanut or groundnut oil. But people who have nut allergies should not consume this oil under any circumstances.
FAQ: Is groundnut oil good for health? - Everything you should know about groundnut oil
Is groundnut oil healthy for cooking?
Yes, groundnut oil is rich in Vit E, essential fatty acids, has a high smoking point, and has a pleasant taste, making it an ideal choice as a cooking oil.
Is groundnut oil cholesterol-free?
Groundnut oil has zero cholesterol. It helps reduce bad-cholesterol deposits in the body. Read more about it in – “Is groundnut oil good for health?”.
Does groundnut oil increase LDL cholesterol?
No, it doesn’t. On the contrary, as per a study shared by NCBI, groundnut oil increases HDL or good cholesterol.
Can heart patients eat groundnut oil?
Yes, heart patients can eat groundnut oil. It is cholesterol free and helps improve heart health by lowering blood pressure and increasing blood circulation. Read more about it in – “Is groundnut oil good for health?”.
Which is better: mustard oil or groundnut oil?
Both oils have been part of Indian cooking for ages. It’s good to use a blend of oils in cooking for a balanced nutritional meal. Mustard and groundnut oil can be used interchangeably to get their benefits.
How much does groundnut oil cost?
The price of groundnut oil can vary depending on factors like brand, quality, and location. It's a good idea to compare prices at different stores or online to find the best deal.
Can a Diabetic Eat Groundnut?
Yes, diabetics can enjoy groundnuts (peanuts) in moderation. They have a low glycemic index and can be part of a balanced diet. However, portion control is essential.
What the common uses of groundnut oil are in cooking and other applications?
Groundnut oil is widely used for cooking, such as frying, sautéing, and as a general cooking oil. It's also a key ingredient in various dishes
Is groundnut oil good for you?
Yes, but only in moderation. While excessive use of groundnut oil may lead to weight gain, it can be a beneficial component of a balanced diet.
What are the benefits of peanut oil?
The benefits of peanut oil include its high smoke point for cooking, heart-healthy fats, antioxidants, vitamin E, and anti-inflammatory qualities. It also moisturises skin.
What are groundnut health benefits ?
The health advantages of groundnuts, often known as peanuts, include heart-healthy lipids, antioxidants, vitamin E, anti-inflammatory qualities, and possible skin moisturising.
What information can you provide about the groundnut nutrition value?
The nutritional value of groundnuts includes fibre, protein, good fats, and vitamins, including vitamin E, as well as minerals like phosphorus and magnesium. Groundnuts also contain antioxidants, which provide a number of health advantages, including heart health and possible anti-inflammatory properties. They are an abundant source of nutrients.
What are the culinary uses of groundnut cooking oil?
Due to its neutral flavour and high smoke point, groundnut cooking oil is a flexible cooking oil that may be used for a variety of cooking methods, including baking, grilling, sautéing, and frying.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the health benefits of Groundnut Oil is undeniable. By incorporating this oil into your daily routine, you're taking a proactive step towards maintaining a healthy heart, brain, and body.
Check out Two Brothers wood pressed groundnut oil today and add this essential to your pantry collection.
Read more :
Groundnut Oil Recipes You Need to Taste in 2023
Best Cooking Oil for Diabetic Patients- Know This and Alter Your Diet
