However, the oil may also have possible side effects. In this post, we will discuss both sides of the oil. We will also understand if peanut oil is really fit for use in cooking.
What Is Peanut Oil?
Peanut oil is often referred to as groundnut oil. It is a vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the peanut plant. Some believe that the goodness of peanut oil primarily boils down to its vitamin E content. Vitamin E is an antioxidant known to reduce free radical damage and cut heart disease risk (1).
What Are The Different Types Of Peanut Oil?
Peanut oil is available in different types:
What Are The Benefits Of Peanut Oil?
1. May Promote Heart Health
Peanut oil contains vitamin E (2). Studies show that this vitamin can fight free radicals, which may cause heart disease (3). The oil is also rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (2). These are linked to a lowered cardiovascular disease risk. As per the American Heart Association, these types of fats can reduce heart disease risk by as much as 30% (4). Some anecdotal evidence suggests that the oil may also lower bad cholesterol levels. However, more research is needed to support this statement.
2. May Enhance Cognitive Health
There is no direct research stating that peanut oil may promote cognitive health. However, the vitamin E it contains may play a role. Studies show that vitamin E may promote healthy brain aging in the elderly. The nutrient may also reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (5). Vitamin E supplementation was also found to boost motor activities in individuals (5).
3. May Improve Insulin Sensitivity
Peanut oil contains oleic acid, which was found to improve insulin production in type 2 diabetes. A diet high in peanut oil can also reverse the negative effects of inflammation on type 2 diabetes (6). Peanut oil also contains polyunsaturated fatty acids. These are healthy fats. Studies show that PUFAs may improve blood glucose levels, treat insulin resistance, and enhance insulin secretion capacity. Replacing dietary saturated fat with polyunsaturated fat improved insulin secretion in those with diabetes (7). A combination of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (as present in peanut oil) may also enhance insulin sensitivity in individuals with diabetes.
4. May Help Reduce Cancer Risk
Peanut oil contains phytosterols, compounds recognized for their potential anticancer properties. These compounds might reduce the risk of the cancers of the prostate and colon. Some research states that they may reduce the risk of breast cancer (8). Phytosterols, in general, have also been studied for their anticancer effects. Emerging evidence states that these compounds may inhibit the cancers of the lung, stomach, and ovaries (9). Some believe that the polyphenol antioxidants in peanut oil fight free radicals, which may contribute to cancer prevention. Peanut oil may act as a natural tonic that may boost immune levels.
5. May Help Relieve Joint Pains
Peanut oil contains polyunsaturated fatty acids (2). Studies state their therapeutic potential in treating joint pains in the case of rheumatoid arthritis (10). The oil could be used to relieve debilitating joint pains. Peanut oil is applied to the skin directly and massaged well, and this may offer some relief. However, there is insufficient information on the topical application of peanut oil. Please consult your doctor before you use the oil for this purpose. Insufficient Evidence For The Following
6. May Delay Signs Of Aging
There is no direct research stating that peanut oil may delay the signs of aging. However, some research states that the vitamin E in the oil could help in this regard (11). Vitamin E is an important ingredient in most over-the-counter anti-aging products (11). Vitamin E also fights the adverse effects of oxidative stress. Some of these effects include photoaging (which is the accelerated aging of the skin with the influence of UV radiation) (12). Applying peanut oil topically may offer anti-aging benefits, though there is no research to prove this. The vitamin E it contains may fight free radicals, which may otherwise accelerate aging signs like wrinkles and fine lines.
7. May Treat Dry Skin
Topical vitamin E may improve the symptoms of atopic dermatitis. The condition is characterized by red and itchy skin, sometimes accompanied by dry skin (13). The topical application of peanut oil could help treat dry skin, but research is limited. Some believe the oil also has moisturizing properties that could help. You can apply the oil to your face and other affected areas and leave it on for about 20 minutes. Take a bath as usual.
8. May Boost Hair Growth
Some research suggests that the ingestion of vitamin E supplements may boost hair growth (14). But there is limited information if the same effect could be achieved with topical application. Some believe that the topical application of vitamin E may reduce protein loss from hair and make it thicker. The oil is also thought to moisturize split ends and regenerate damaged hair.
9. May Help Treat Scalp Psoriasis
Some studies state that vitamin E may aid the treatment of psoriasis, including that of the skin and scalp (15). Anecdotal evidence suggests that the antioxidants in peanut oil may treat dandruff, and in some cases, can aid the treatment of scalp psoriasis. This could be attributed to the moisturizing properties of peanut oil.
How Else Can Peanut Oil Be Used?
There are different ways peanut oil can be used:
Cooking
Peanut oil is low in saturated fats and rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. This is why it is ideal for cooking. It works particularly well with Asian foods that are predominantly prepared in the wok.
Making Soap
You can also use the oil to make soap. Thanks to its conditioning properties, the soap can boost skin health. One downside is that the oil may not last long in your soap as it can turn rancid quite fast.
Making Biodiesel
Peanuts are more than 50% oil, which is why one acre of them produces about 123 gallons of oil. Though this alternative fuel is slightly expensive, it might be where the future lies.
Vaccines
In fact, this has been happening since the 1960s. The oil was used in influenza shots to lengthen immunity in patients. These are certain other ways peanut oil is used. Do you want to know what else the oil contains? Scroll down to the next section.
What Is The Nutritional Profile Of Peanut Oil?
One cup of peanut oil offers you 169% of the daily value of vitamin E. The following table shows the nutritional value of peanut oil in detail. Values sourced from U.S. Department of Agriculture, oil, peanut Excess intake of peanut oil may cause certain side effects. We have discussed them in the next section.
Side Effects And Allergies Of Peanut Oil
High Amount Of Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Peanut oil is high in omega-6 fatty acids. Though these fatty acids are important, their excess intake may cause issues. Omega-6 fatty acids tend to be pro-inflammatory in nature (16). The typical Western diet consists of higher amounts of omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids. When this is the case, adding excess of peanut oil may further increase the levels of omega-6 fatty acids. This can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, and inflammatory bowel disease (16).
Allergies
Those having a peanut allergy may also develop an allergic response to the oil. Signs of these allergies include urticaria (a type of round skin rash), gastrointestinal and upper respiratory tract reactions, and anaphylaxis (17).
The Oil Could Be Prone To Oxidation
The polyunsaturated fatty acids in the oil may be easily prone to oxidation. Merely heating the oil can result in this phenomenon. This oxidation can create free radicals that can cause harm to the body (also called oxidative damage). This may cause inflammation and damage the immune system (18). Hence, using peanut oil regularly for cooking may not be a good idea. You may want to go for a healthier option, like olive oil (extra virgin olive oil could be a better idea). In case you are pregnant or breastfeeding, stick to normal amounts of peanut oil (after consulting your doctor). Don’t consume excess of it. Also, avoid the oil if you are allergic to peanuts, soybeans, and other related plants (members from the Fabaceae plant family). What is a good substitute for peanut oil? Almond oil can be a good substitute, given it has a similarly high smoke point. How long does peanut oil last? Unopened peanut oil can last for about a year. But once opened, it lasts only for four to six months. It can get rancid after that. Is peanut oil better than olive oil? Though both are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, peanut oil has higher levels of omega-6 fatty acids. Hence, it may not be as healthy as olive oil in cooking. In terms of regular use, olive oil could be better than peanut oil. How long does it take to heat peanut oil? Peanut oil takes about 10 minutes to get heated. What temperature does peanut oil boil at? Peanut oil boils at about 450o F (also called smoke point). Is frying in peanut oil healthier? Peanut oil is unsuitable for high-heat cooking (like deep frying). The fats in the oil degrade when exposed to high heat and may adversely affect health. Which is healthier, peanut oil or avocado oil? Both are nutritious. However, polyunsaturated fatty acids in peanut oil make it less healthy than avocado oil, which has an excellent nutritional value at low and high temperatures (17). Can you cook vegetables in peanut oil? Yes, you can cook or saute vegetables in peanut oil at medium flame. Is it OK to fry chicken in peanut oil? Yes, you can fry chicken in peanut oil. However, do not use it for deep frying as the polyunsaturated fatty acids degrade and may affect your health. Can you mix olive oil and peanut oil? Yes, you can mix olive and peanut oil. However, the resultant oil will have the lower smoking point of the two.
