With a plethora of cooking oils offering diverse flavors, not all are necessarily beneficial for your health. To enhance overall well-being, consider making the switch to groundnut oil. Explore its myriad benefits below.
Groundnut, known as “Kalaya” in ancient Ayurveda, has long been a staple in Indian cuisine, prized for its flavor and aroma. Cold-pressed groundnut oil, a popular cooking oil in India, shares similarities with other tree nuts like almonds and walnuts in its impressive nutritional profile, taste, and beneficial organic compounds. Despite being high in fat, groundnuts are entirely cholesterol-free and rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
Groundnut oil, with its mildly nutty flavor, serves as a versatile and neutral option for countless recipes. With a high smoke point of around 450°F, it is particularly suitable for deep frying, as it can withstand high temperatures without burning.
Nutritional Information for Groundnut Oil
According to Shammi Agarwal, Food FMCG expert and owner of Oreal Brand, one tablespoon of peanut oil contains approximately 119 calories, 14 grams of fat, with 2 grams being saturated fat, and negligible amounts of protein, fiber, and sugar. Groundnut oil is rich in omega-6 fatty acids and contains essential fatty acids like oleic acid, linoleic acid, stearic acid, and palmitic acid in balanced proportions, which promote metabolism and support the nervous system.
Benefits of Peanut Oil for Health
Integrating groundnut oil into your everyday meals has demonstrated numerous potential advantages across various aspects of health. Keep scrolling to discover the key health benefits associated with incorporating groundnut oil into your diet.
Enhances Cardiovascular Well-being
The abundant presence of vitamin E, along with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, collectively referred to as beneficial unsaturated fats, in groundnut oil, renders it advantageous for heart health. Several studies suggest that substituting saturated fats with these unsaturated counterparts can decrease the risk of heart disease. Vitamin E acts as a shield, protecting the heart from damage inflicted by free radicals within the body. Additionally, resveratrol, present in groundnut oil, aids in lowering blood pressure, alleviating strain on the cardiovascular system, thus contributing to overall heart wellness.
Controls Cholesterol
Groundnut oil stands out as it is completely free of cholesterol, a primary factor contributing to complex heart conditions. In the pursuit of averting various health complications, it becomes crucial to eradicate cholesterol from the body. Groundnut oil, being rich in plant sterols, not only aids in prevention but also actively reduces harmful cholesterol levels. Phytosterols, present in groundnut oil, compete with cholesterol absorption in the stomach and intestines, effectively lowering overall cholesterol levels.
Moreover, the fatty acids present in groundnut oil promote the increase of HDL, the beneficial cholesterol, which in turn helps to diminish levels of LDL, the harmful cholesterol. Elevated levels of LDL can potentially obstruct or narrow arteries, ultimately heightening the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Controls Diabetes
Some research indicates that unsaturated fats can positively impact glucose levels in individuals with diabetes. Substituting polyunsaturated fats for saturated fats may also enhance insulin secretion. Studies suggest that oleic acid, found abundantly in groundnut oil, can increase insulin production to counteract inhibitory insulin effects. Due to its richness in oleic acid, groundnut oil may effectively reduce the risk of type-2 diabetes in women.
Prevents Cancer
Groundnut oil is equipped with antioxidants that provide protection against toxins and free radicals. Furthermore, it boasts vitamin E and phytochemicals, which play crucial roles in reducing inflammation and combating cancer cells. Multiple studies have highlighted the potential of phytosterols and beta-sitosterol, present in groundnut oil, to shield the body from colon, prostate, and breast cancer. The regular intake of plant compounds can effectively impede the production of carcinogens and inhibit the development of cancer cells.
Helps Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease
Peanuts, enriched with essential nutrients such as niacin, vitamin E, and healthy unsaturated fats, are renowned for their ability to prevent cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and age-related cognitive decline. These nutrients work together to combat free radicals, thereby preserving neural pathways in the brain. Additionally, resveratrol, found in peanuts, possesses therapeutic properties that can lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, enhance memory, improve cognitive function, and mitigate symptoms of dementia.
Conclusion
Groundnut oil harbors a harmonious and abundant array of minerals, vitamins, and organic compounds. These elements remain minimally refined, preserving the nutty essence and imparting a wholesome touch with a subtle, yet distinct flavor to the palate. With celebrities, dieticians, and nutritionists increasingly endorsing its beneficial fats, as well as its rich nutrient and mineral profile, groundnut oil is making a triumphant return to the shelves, poised to make a significant impact in the nutritional realm.