ABOUT PEANUT OIL

Peanut oil also referred to as groundnut oil or Arachis oil, is a vegetable-derived oil made from the edible seeds of the peanut plant.

Though the peanut plant flowers above ground, the seeds or peanuts actually develop underground. This is why peanuts are also known as groundnuts.

Peanuts are often grouped with tree nuts like walnuts and almonds, but they are actually a type of legume that belongs to the pea and bean family.

Depending on processing, peanut oil can have a wide range of flavors that vary from mild and sweet to strong and nutty.

There are several different types of peanut oil. Each one is made using different techniques:

• Refined peanut oil: This type is refined, bleached, and deodorized, which removes the allergenic parts of the oil. It is typically safe for those with peanut allergies. It is commonly used by restaurants to fry foods like chicken and french fries.
• Cold-pressed peanut oil: In this method, peanuts are crushed to force out the oil. This low-heat process retains much of the natural peanut flavor and more nutrients than refining does.
• Gourmet peanut oil: Considered a specialty oil, this type is unrefined and usually roasted, giving the oil a deeper, more intense flavor than refined oil. It is used to give a strong, nutty flavor to dishes like stir-fries.
• Peanut oil blends: Peanut oil is often blended with a similar tasting but less expensive oil like soybean oil. This type is more affordable for consumers and is usually sold in bulk for frying foods.

Peanut Oil Is High in Vitamin E

Just one tablespoon of peanut oil contains 11% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin E (1).

Vitamin E is actually the name for a group of fat-soluble compounds that have many important functions in the body.

The main role of vitamin E is to function as an antioxidant, protecting the body from harmful substances called free radicals.

Free radicals can cause damage to cells if their numbers grow too high in the body. They have been linked to chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease (2Trusted Source).

It May Reduce Heart Disease Risk

Peanut oil is high in both monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fats, both of which have been researched extensively for their roles in reducing heart disease.

There is good evidence that consuming unsaturated fats can lower certain risk factors associated with heart disease.