PEANUT OIL

Description

Peanut Oil

• Peanut oil is the oil from the seed, also called the nut, of the peanut plant. Peanut oil is used to make medicine.
• Peanut oil is used by mouth to lower cholesterol and prevent heart disease and cancer. Peanut oil is sometimes applied directly to the skin for arthritis, joint pain, dry skin, eczema, and other skin conditions. But there is limited scientific evidence to support these uses.
• Peanut oil is commonly used in cooking.
• Pharmaceutical companies use peanut oil in various products they prepare. Peanut oil is also used in skin care products and baby care products.

• Lowering cholesterol.
• Preventing heart disease.
• Preventing cancer.
• Decreasing appetite for weight loss.
• Constipation, when applied to the rectum.
• Arthritis and joint pain, when applied to the skin.
• Scalp crusting and scaling, when applied to the skin.
• Dry skin and other skin problems, when applied to the skin.

Nutrient Composition
Here is the nutritional breakdown for one tablespoon of peanut oil:
Calories:119
Fat:14 grams
Saturated fat: 2.3 grams
Monounsaturated fat:6.2 grams
Polyunsaturated fat:4.3 grams
Vitamin E:11% of the RDI
Phytosterols: 27.9 mg
The fatty acid breakdown of peanut oil is 20% saturated fat, 50% monounsaturated fat (MUFA) and 30% polyunsaturated fat (PUFA).
The main type of monounsaturated fat found in peanut oil is called oleic acid, or omega-9. It also contains high amounts of linoleic acid, a type of omega-6 fatty acid, and smaller amounts of palmitic acid, a saturated fat.
Potential Benefits of Peanut Oil
Peanut oil may reduce heart disease risk factors. It may also help improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar in people with diabetes. It is also a great source of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that protects the body from free radical damage
The high amount of omega-6 fats that peanut oil contains may not be a good thing. These fats tend to cause inflammation and have been linked to various health problems.
The considerable amount of monounsaturated fat found in this oil makes it a go-to for frying and other methods of high-heat cooking. However, it does contain a good amount of polyunsaturated fat, which is less stable at high temperatures.
On the other hand, peanut oil is a good source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that has many health benefits like protecting the body from free radical damage and reducing the risk of heart disease
Peanut Oil May Be Prone to Oxidation
Peanut oil is high in pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids. Western diets tend to be too high in these fats already, which may increase the risk of certain diseases. This oil may also be prone to oxidation, making it an unsafe choice as a cooking oil.