Low in saturated fats, free from cholesterol and bestowed with linoleic acid (omega-6), an essential fatty acid, all these make peanut oil a healthy cooking option. The list of benefits is long enough to make you sit up and take notice. Here they are, in a nutshell!
Rich
source of plant sterols
Being a vegetable oil, peanut oil is a rich source of plant
sterols, especially β-sitosterol. Not only can phytosterols reduce
cholesterol absorption in the stomach but they can also reduce
cholesterol levels by 10 to 15%.
Protective
gear
The polyphenol antioxidant, resveratrol, in peanut oil protects
against cancers, heart disease, degenerative nerve disease,
Alzheimer's disease and viral/fungal infections. It also brings
down the risk of strokes by changing the molecular mechanism in
blood vessels and by increasing production of the vasodilator,
nitric oxide.
Out with
the 'bad'
Though high in calorie content because of the fats, peanut oil is
rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) such as oleic acid
(18:1). This helps reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or "bad
cholesterol" and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or "good
cholesterol" in the blood.
Vying
for vitamins
Peanut oil has valuable amounts of vitamin E, a lipid-soluble
antioxidant needed to maintain the cell membrane of mucous
membranes and the skin by protecting it from harmful oxygen free
radicals.
Naturally
healthy
Naturally trans fat-free and cholesterol-free, peanut oil is high
in unsaturated fats and is therefore a healthy cooking
medium.
Good lipid profile
It has saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats in
healthy proportions (SFA: MUFA: PUFA = 18:49:33).
Versatile
choice
With a high smoke point of 450 °F, it is the ideal choice for deep
frying. It is the answer to the Indian penchant for deep-fried
foods such as samosas, bajji, bonda, poori, vada, katchori and so
on. This oil is equally versatile when it comes to cooking non-
vegetarian dishes.
Energy
high
A 100 grams of peanut oil provides 884 calories.
Preventive
best
It averts digestive problems such as constipation, diarrhea,
irregular bowel movements and stomach ulcers.
Head to
toe
Peanut oil is also used for relief in cases of arthritis and joint
pain, scaling of the scalp, dry skin, eczema and ichthyosis (a
non-inflammatory skin disorder that causes scaling).
Cause
for cheer
Regular use improves the insulin level and therefore is good news
for diabetics. Studies have shown that the oil can bring down blood
glucose levels.
Long
shelf life
Bestowed with a long shelf life, its quality remains good for up
to nine months if stored in airtight containers in cool, dry
environments. With the addition of vitamin E, the shelf life can be
increased to a year and more.
Salad
days
Peanut oil is used to make margarines, mayonnaise and salad
dressings because of its ability to hold solids in suspension for
longer periods.
Ratings: