Groundnut oil is also commonly known as peanut oil. It is one of the most commonly used oils in most culinary preparations and very rich in nutrients. Knowingly, about the oil, its components like vitamins, healthy fats, is a matter of high importance. In this blog, we are going to look at the nutritional profile of groundnut oil, its vitamins, healthy fats, and comparison with other oils.
Rich Source of Healthy Fats
Groundnut oil is also known to have healthy fats. It contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which prevent the heart. These fats keep harmful cholesterol at low levels. They also ensure healthy cholesterol levels in the human body. However, the use of groundnut oil in moderation favours a healthy heart.
Additionally, it also contains a very small percentage of saturated fats, but again, much smaller than most oils. Saturated fats are considered less healthy when eaten in excess. Therefore, groundnut oil presents an almost well-balanced fat profile that is supplementary to a healthy body.
Vitamins Found in Groundnut Oil
Groundnut oil contains Vitamin E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant in nature. Antioxidants protect the body from damage due to free radicals. Vitamin E also helps for healthy skin and hair. Furthermore, Vitamin E also increases immunity that makes the body strong.
The groundnut oil also contains trace portions of Vitamin K. Additionally, Vitamin K is very essential as it helps in the clotting of blood. It makes sure that a person heals faster from wounds due to the clotting of blood. The other vitamins found in small amounts in groundnut oil are Vitamin E and K.
Benefits of Monounsaturated Fats
High proportion of monounsaturated fats is found in groundnut oil. Monounsaturated fats promote the condition of good general health of the heart. Therefore, Groundnut oil will be helpful for dieting since studies have proven that monounsaturated fats reduce the risk of heart disorders. The risk of getting any cardiovascular disorder will also be reduced due to dieting with groundnut oil.
Additionally, the fats which these types have, help in regulating blood sugar levels. This means groundnut oil is for those suffering from diabetes because it minimises sudden rise in blood sugar. Still, this oil keeps a stable rate of energy throughout the day.
Groundnut Oil and Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Groundnut oil is also a source of omega-6 fats. These are essential fats the body needs. Omega-6 fatty acids improve brain function and normal growth, but excess supply causes inflammation. Furthermore, balance the ingestion of omega-6 fats with omega-3 fats.
Sources of omega-3, either fish or flaxseeds, help keep it that way.
This ensures you get all the beneficial effects of both types of fats without encouraging inflammation.
Comparing Groundnut Oil with Other Oils
Groundnut oil, in comparison to other oils, is just the best. More nutrients are retained in cold-pressed oils. Cold-pressed groundnut oil is oil without heat in the pressing process. Peanuts are pressed, and more vitamins and antioxidants are preserved.
Wood-pressed oil is another type of oil made by an old-fashioned process. The wood pressing process uses wooden pestles to press out the oil. Therefore, it takes more time and retains the flavour of the oil. At the same time, it retains all the nutrients that are generally lost in refined oils. Furthermore, Cold-pressed oils or wood-pressed oil is healthier than others.
Refined oils have lost much nutrient content during processing. So, using cold-pressed or wood-pressed oil has more health benefits.
Groundnut Oil’s Role in Weight Management
Healthy fats in groundnut oil can help you in weight management. Moderate intakes of healthy fats make you feel satisfied longer and cut you away from eating excess calories. This helps cut down overeating and supports healthy weight. Additionally, monounsaturated fats raise the burning rate of calories in the body.
But do not use excess oil. As other oils are rich in calorie content, groundnut oil is too. Hence, moderation is required to achieve a healthy diet.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The antioxidants in groundnut oil lower the rate of inflammation. Chronic inflammation has been linked to many diseases, and, in this list, heart diseases and arthritis are notably important. The oxidation in the body caused by free radicals is also blocked from occurring through the antioxidants in the oil.
Groundnut oil is also anti-inflammatory which is very important to the joints, and hence individuals suffering from arthritis or joint pains will benefit from the oil. Besides, with groundnut oil cooking, body inflammation will also be reduced.
Cooking with Groundnut Oil
Groundnut oil has a high smoke point. This makes it ideal for frying and sautéing. The oil is less susceptible to degradation at high temperatures. This makes it safe for cooking methods that are subjected to heat. Additionally, it provides a mild flavour that matches many dishes.
But in case you seek something better than that, cold-pressed or wood-pressed oil is a better option. However, these are less processed, which means they have more nutrients retained. And their flavour unique to your meals intensifies their taste.
Conclusion
Groundnut oil has plenty of health benefits because it is rich in nutrients. It has good fats, as well as essential vitamins like Vitamin E and K. Additionally, cold-pressed groundnut oil and wood-pressed oil are healthy options compared to others because they have more nutrients and antioxidants. Therefore, they are healthier for cooking. Furthermore, the oil’s anti-inflammatory characteristics and ability to aid in weight loss also complement these advantages.
Incorporation of groundnut oil in the diet can have positive effects on general health. Still, though this is a good addition, the use has to be controlled to see its positives and not the calories.
