Brazil has a very exotic gastronomy, in it we get many interesting dishes and unique ingredients, including a kind of oil that is native to this nation, which has incredible contributions to health.
It is what is known as peanut oil, which has been cultivated in countries other than Brazil, and in this article we will learn about its properties and benefits.
What is peanut oil?
Peanut oil (also known as Arachis Hypogaea L. seed or groundnut oil), is an edible and refined oil extracted from the dried peanut fruit. It is yellow in color and has a pleasant level of cooking, but curiously its preparation can be result in a strong or very mild flavor.
Peanut oil is also divided into several types, in which it stands out: refined, cold-pressed, gourmet and a series of mixtures of peanut oil (especially that made with soybean oil) and its cultivation extends to the United States. United and Asia.
Note: A study mentions the following “Peanut oil is excellent for cooking , in addition to its flavor, being tasteless and being able to be heated to many high temperatures without burning or smoking”. (1)
Nutritional properties of peanut oil
What will a peanut oil provide as opposed to vegetable or olive oil? The truth is that it has quite a few contributions to the body , as long as proper use is made of it. Therefore, below we present the nutritional properties of peanut oil:
1. Vitamins
Peanut oil is very rich in vitamin E (with 17.2 mg) with antioxidant properties that protect the body’s tissues and cells.
To highlight: However, it has a tiny but also relevant portion of vitamin K (0.70 mg), important for blood coagulation and maintaining a strong skeletal structure.
2. Minerals
Peanut or peanut oil has minerals that can be easily counted, but which are essential for the body, including iron and zinc (between 0.03 and 0.01 mg).
These minerals are important for the growth and development of the organism , both of the cells and of the bone tissues.
Important: To understand the relevance of zinc in peanut oil, an analysis mentions the following: “Zinc has catalytic, structural and regulatory functions, being an essential nutrient for human health, knowledge of this mineral is extensive” . (two)
3. Other compounds
Peanut oil is very low in sodium, which increases its consumption in a large part of the population. In addition, this oil has relevant components such as calories (900 mg) and a certain level of omega 6 fatty acids (similar to omega 3 ).
You should know: We also found a level of considerable fat content , which makes a level of moderation necessary for the use of this great-tasting oil.
However, the peanut oil product is very relevant as it provides a lot of energy, necessary to prevent fatigue and excessive exhaustion .
What are the benefits of peanut oil?
Knowing the nutritional compounds of peanut oil, it is worth asking what types of benefits are achieved through this oil? These are the best known benefits of peanut oil:
1. Reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases
The risk of suffering from cardiovascular diseases or heart conditions (see clogged arteries, myocardial infarction or heart failure ), is greatly reduced with the consumption of this oil.
To highlight: Its composition with vitamin E makes it ideal for, mainly, avoiding heart attacks , but a study highlights the following: “Vitamin E helps prevent clogged arteries, for this it blocks the conversion of cholesterol into fatty deposits waxy” . (3)
2. Reduces cholesterol and blood sugar levels
It was already mentioned that peanut oil keeps cholesterol low , especially the one known as LDL cholesterol.
Note: LDL cholesterol is a formation of saturated fats in the blood , but the presence of sugar in hemoglobin cannot be neglected either.
In this sense, peanut oil is beneficial due to vitamin E and even more so because a deficiency of this element can increase the appearance of triglycerides or type 2 diabetes, which is reduced due to the cause and effect of peanut oil. against heart conditions.
3. Fights the action of free radicals
Peanut oil also helps reduce the actions of free radicals , those molecules that our body produces but that sometimes degrade or oxidize cells.
To highlight: It is known for sure that vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects the degradation of cells or membranes , caused mainly by the appearance of free radicals, protecting the immune system as a whole.
4. Reduces inflammation and joint pain
It is very impressive how peanut oil acts as an anti-inflammatory, especially for joint pain (affecting muscle tissue) and sometimes even bone tissue pain.
Peanut or peanut oil can reduce exact levels of cytokines , a series of proteins that function as immune system responses , leading to inflammations (abscesses), whose actions can be stopped by consuming this oil.
5. Stimulates intestinal transit
Peanut oil (and many of its derivatives) are presumed to be perfect for dealing with inflammatory bowel disease . Where it is even indicated in the treatment, consuming foods rich in vitamin E.
You should know: The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds can make the intestinal flora grow, prevent infections by microorganisms in the mucous walls of the intestine and improve even more, the digestive process of the organism.
6. Promotes skin health
Peanut oil is a great moisturizer for the skin , outside of traditional cooking, this oil is used like many others, for activities such as massage , which is very relaxing and comforting.
Peanut oil provides a lot of hydration to the skin, but specifically increases the strength of cell membranes, even preventing cell degradation and strengthening healing .
7. Contributes to weight loss
Peanut oil taken in excess does not help with weight loss (because it has a large series of fats and fatty acids), these myths must be eliminated because it contains a variety of fats , that does not mean that it does not contribute to the prevention of obesity, better than other oils.
To highlight: Peanut oil, as long as it is used in moderation, can provide the necessary energy for the body and later be burned with increased metabolism , therefore this oil cannot be abused to a great extent.
How is peanut oil used?
You get peanut oil for frying, as well as for baking or roasting food, you can even combine it with nutritious and homemade dressings , refined peanut oil is the greatest use that is given to it, even for various stir-fries, remembering that it can cook at high temperatures. temperatures.
Note: Besides, we can get it out of the kitchen, as an essential oil for massages and to relieve joint pain, its aroma and flavor make it ideal for it.
Even as an indicated treatment for skin conditions, such as acne, wrinkles and eliminate dandruff on the scalp.
Key Findings
- Peanut oil or Arachis Hypogaea L., is one of the most nutritious and well-known refined oils in the world.
- This has essential nutritional compounds , fatty acids and is very low in sodium.
- It prevents aging, fights free radicals and can often reduce heart conditions or cholesterol levels.
- It is used in its original form of refined oil both in cooking and in activities outside of gastronomy.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.