One of the most popular oils used in many cuisines across the world is Peanut Oil! Known for its nutty flavour, cold-pressed peanut oil (mungfali oil) is full of nutritional goodness. It is one of the healthiest oils in the world with high amounts of “good” cholesterol. It has high cooking temperatures and is ideal for making a wide variety of foods, including deep-fried snacks. Peanut oil is rich in antioxidants and monounsaturated fatty acids. Vitamin E also forms a key component of this oil, which promotes healthy skin, eyes and heart. Let’s get to know some of the key Peanut oil benefits for hair, skin and health in detail.
What Is Peanut Oil?
Peanut oil, also called Mungfali oil, is extracted from groundnuts or peanuts. Unrefined peanut oil has a strong aroma and darker colour. It is used in South Asian cuisines to make savoury dishes and salads. Cold Peanut oil is produced by crushing the nuts at low temperatures, which is way healthier than the normally produced oil.
Is Peanut Oil Healthy?
Peanut oil is considered to be quite healthy for your body. It is low in unsaturated fatty acids, which is bad for your heart. Peanut oil is also rich in monosaturated fatty acids like Oleic acid, linoleic acid and palmitic acids which are wonderful for your body. It is also known for its beauty benefits and is a popular ingredient in many skin care products.
Peanut Oil Vs Sunflower Oil:
Peanut oil contains monounsaturated fatty acids which are good for your heart, while sunflower oil contains polyunsaturated fatty acids, which is known to reduce bad cholesterol. Sunflower oil is low in Omega 3 to Omega 6, while peanut oil is rich in them. While peanut oil is good for stir-fries, sunflower oil can be used for sautéing foods. Both are anti-oxidant rich and offer numerous benefits to the body.
How To Make Peanut Oil At Home?
While a number of peanut oil brands in India, like Pure & Sure, Puvi, 24 Mantra and Farm Naturally offer organic, cold-pressed oils for ready-use, it’s not a bad idea to make some at home. Check out this recipe for homemade peanut oil:
Peanut Oil Ingredients:
- Peanuts – 3 Cups
- Warm Water- 3 tbsp
- Blender
Procedure:
- Mildly roast the peanuts and remove their outer covering.
- In a blender, put the peanuts along with some warm water.
- Blend until smooth to get a butter consistency.
- Transfer this mixture into a bowl and refrigerate.
- After 24 hours, you can observe the oils rise.
- Separate this oil from the mixture and strain it.
- Store it in an air-tight container.
Peanut Oil Nutrition Facts:
Check out the list below to understand the nutritional value of peanut oil per 100 gms of serving:
- Total Calories: 884
- Total Fat: 100 gm
- Saturated Fats: 17 gm
- Monounsaturated Fat: 46 gm
- Total Carbohydrates: 0
Amazing Peanut Oil Health Benefits:
Here we enlisted 16 best peanut oil benefits for skin, hair and health. Let’s have a look into them.
1. Regulates Cholesterol Levels:
By including peanut oil in the diet in medium quantities, one can ensure that proper cholesterol levels are maintained and thus the heart health is restored. This is one of the major benefits that people need today because of the increasing levels of ailments associated with bad cholesterol in the body.
2. Peanut Oil Massage:
Are you suffering from joint problems? Peanut oil can help in massaging the body and thus provide it with energy. It helps in the treatment of aching joints and muscles. This should be used on a daily basis with a carrier oil to get maximum benefits. This is one of the best peanut oil uses to help you relax.
3. Improves Blood Circulation:
Linoleic acid is present in peanut oil in rich amounts. This helps in the stimulation of prostaglandins. These help in a lot of important functions in the body including the contraction and dilation of the vessels in the right manner. This is valid for the muscles of the body as well. It leads to proper blood flow.
4. Lowers Blood Pressure:
The uses of peanut oil in cooking are numerous. Along with adding a distinct flavour to your good, it is also great for your heart. The monounsaturated fats in the peanut oil are perfect for reducing the levels of high blood pressure and bringing it to a balanced level. It helps in keeping away all risks of heart diseases as well.
5. Aromatherapy Benefits:
The light and the nutty aroma of the peanut oil is one of the best things that can help in aromatherapy. The refreshing and rejuvenating feel that peanut oil gives it what helps you de-stress. It is definitely one of the top things to consider the oil for.
See More: Neem Oil Benefits
6. Strengthens Body:
The rich levels of protein in peanut oil are what help in the achievement of this goal. Having moderate amounts of peanut oil daily ensures the strengthening of the body and building of the muscles as well.
7. Prevents and Treats Acne:
Are you one of those millions of people who suffer from acne? Do you want a natural treatment for acne and pimples? If yes, then move ahead and start using peanut oil for skin repair. Mixing it with a few drops of lemon juice and applying it helps in getting the outcomes. The skin care, dry skin treatment and cure of blackheads in a natural way are some added advantages.
8. Anti-Dandruff Properties:
One of the best peanut oil benefits for hair is its anti-dandruff properties. Peanut oil with lemon juice and tea tree oil can be applied on the scalp and left for the next 2-3 hours before shampooing. This antiseptic way of treating dandruff is one of the easiest things to do and in a very effective manner.
9. Hydrates Lips:
Massaging the lips with peanut oil after a proper scrub procedure at home is one of the best ways to provide nourishment to the lips and to make it soft, smooth and supple. Being enriched with Vitamin E, peanut oil can lighten the lip colour and restore its natural pinkness. You can even apply peanut oil as a lip balm to prevent chapping.
10. Prevents Heart Diseases:
Peanut oil is one of the best cooking oils, which has high HDL or good fats and low LDL or bad fats. Compared to many oils, peanut oil offers better benefits for your heart. Peanut oil balances the Cholesterol levels in the body and prevents choking of arterial walls. This, in turn, reduces the risk of heart diseases.
See More: Does Olive Oil Remove Stretch Marks
11. Reduces The Risk Of Cancers:
Peanut oil when used for low-heat cooking contains high amounts of anti-oxidants, which reduce the chances of many types of Cancers. These agents reduce the oxidative stress on the ageing of the cells by fighting free radicals in the body. However, when this oil is used for prolonged high heat cooking, oxidation may occur, which can make it deadly!
12. Peanut Oil For Arthritis:
The anti-inflammatory properties of peanut oil make it suitable for arthritis patients. The inclusion of cold-pressed peanut oil in your daily diet can help in reducing the joint inflammation and alleviating pain. Vitamin E present in this oil strengthens the bones and aids in protecting them from joint disorders.
13. Peanut Oil In-Cosmetics:
Peanut oil is a popular ingredient in many beauty and cosmetic products. It is known for its rich moisturizing properties and is often used for making body butter, moisturizers, hair conditioners, lip balms and even lipsticks. Peanut oil can bring a natural glow to your skin and hair when combined with other ingredients.
14. Delays Signs Of Aging:
One of the important peanut oil benefits for skin is for its anti-ageing properties. Peanut oil is enriched with Vitamin E, which can reduce and delay the signs of ageing like blemishes, dark spots, pigmentation, fine lines and patchy skin. To use peanut oil for skin, just take a few drops of cold-pressed oil and massage on skin regularly.
15. Peanut Oil Benefits For Hair Growth:
Peanut oil benefits for hair are numerous. This amazing oil imparts the necessary Vitamin E, needed to strengthen your hair follicles and reduce damage. The fatty acids in this oil restore and repair the damaged hair, while a massage on the scalp can reduce dandruff. It encourages new hair growth and prevents balding.
See More: Pumpkin Seed Oil For Hair
16. Improves Insulin Sensitivity:
Studies show that peanut oil is wonderful for diabetic patients. It contains more unsaturated fats than saturated fats improve insulin sensitivity, which regulates blood sugar levels in the body. The way to use this oil is in wok stir-fries, low heat cooking and even as a drizzle on salads.
Peanut Oil Benefits In Cooking:
Peanut oil is wonderful for cooking purposes and can be used for making a variety of dishes. Some of the popular ones are:
- Peanut Butter, used in Dips and spreads.
- Can be used as marinades in barbeques.
- Used as a dressing in Salads.
- Is used in wok-tossed stir-fries, curries and gravies.
Peanut Oil Side Effects:
When it comes to peanut oil, there are two sides to the coin. Along with the benefits listed above, there are some certain health risks associated with peanut oil:
- High Calories, which can cause weight gain.
- Not negative in saturated fats. Over consumption can lead to the accumulation of bad cholesterol.
- Peanut oil allergy, leading to swelling of mouth, throat and rashes.
- Is known to choke arteries when consumed in excess.
Surprised at knowing these wonderful peanut oil benefits? No wonder why it is slowly gaining popularity in the health industry. Many doctors and expert nutritionists have advised to include a list of healthy oils, with peanut oil topping the charts. However, if you have a history of nut allergies, stay away from this ingredient! Along with a balanced diet, imparting a healthy oil, such as peanut oil can promote better well-being.
