Peanut (Groundnut) Oil Benefits & Uses

Peanut (Groundnut) oil is derived from groundnuts or peanuts and is a popular type of vegetable oil. It has a mild and pleasant flavor. It is otherwise known as health oil due to its abundant health benefits. Groundnut oil is comprised of lipids that are good for health. It is loaded with LINOLEIC ACID (an essential fatty acid), mono-unsaturated fatty acid, i.e. OLEIC ACID, BETA-SITOSTEROL (A PHYTOSTEROL), RESVERATROL (a poly-phenol antioxidant) and good amount of anti-oxidant vitamin E.

Groundnut Oil Benefits

The constituents of groundnut oil cumulatively work in the favor of human health and contribute to its enormous benefits. Therefore, it finds its place in the ingredients of medicines.

Heart diseases

Groundnut oil is used to prevent cardiac diseases. It plays a phenomenal role in reducing bad cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol. It helps in maintaining a healthy lipid profile. It works incredibly in lowering high blood pressure as well because of the presence of monounsaturated fatty acids.

Digestive health

Groundnut oil is helpful in preventing stomach disorders such as constipation, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems. Hence, it is found in medicinal oils and ointments that are used to treat constipation.

Skin and hair care

Skin care and hair care cosmetic products have groundnut oil as a vital ingredient. It has a moisturizing effect on skin and acts as herbal antiseptic in curing dandruff. The protein content in groundnut oil provides volume to hair and moisturizes dry hair healing the split ends.

Diabetes

Groundnut oil miraculously acts on diabetic patients. It helps in maintaining blood sugar level. Daily consumption of the oil leads to improvement in insulin production and thus proves to be quite beneficial for diabetic patients.

Arthritis and joint pain

In terms of curing joint pain and muscular aches, groundnut oil is effective. Groundnut oil massage re-energizes the body and relieves it of all kind of pain including arthritis related pain. Vitamin E is an inevitable element in groundnut oil, which also provides effective protection to the skin and promotes better health.

Acne

Groundnut oil is a great natural remedy for acne. It is used in combination with limejuice for effective results.

Strengthens muscles

Groundnut oil is a rich source of protein. Therefore, regular consumption of it in moderate amount leads to body mass build up and strengthens muscles.

Aroma effects

The aroma-therapeutic effect of groundnut oil is worth mentioning due to its distinct mild aroma. It leaves a rejuvenated and soothing effect on the body.

Blackheads

Groundnut oil is a potential remedy for blackheads. It also helps in protecting the skin from them.

Improves blood flow

It effectively carries out the contraction and dilation of muscles and blood vessels thereby ensuring proper blood flow throughout the body. LINOLEIC ACID, the precursor of prostaglandin present in groundnut oil is responsible for carrying out such an important function.

Caution & Side effects

Groundnut oil when consumed in moderate amount during pregnancy and breast-feeding is safe. Not enough evidences are available to support the fact whether it is safe when large amount of it is consumed in medicines. People who are allergic to groundnuts or other members belonging to FABACEAE family should strictly avoid the oil extracted from groundnuts.