Benefits of Cold Pressed Groundnut Oil

Groundnut oil isn’t an unfamiliar thing to the kitchen and especially Indian kitchen. In many households, groundnut oil is being used extensively. When it comes to healthy eating and also preparation of food without the use of chemically heated or processed oil, cold pressed oils are usually preferred. Cold pressed groundnut oil also is one of them. Groundnut is known in the Indian sub-continent by various names such as moongfali, pygmy nuts, peanuts and monkey nuts. 

Since we are discussing the health-related things of using cold pressed oil, then you also need to know why it is referred as a healthy oil option than the conventional cooking oils that are available in the market. Hence, it is necessary to understand the process through which cold-pressed ground nut oil is being prepared and how it is healthy and what benefits does it encompasses for its consumers.

“Cold pressing,” is a mechanical process wherein the manufacturers can extract and separate oil from nuts or seeds without using any chemicals or adding addictive substances. This whole process happens at a temperature that does not exceed 35 degrees Celsius. The word “cold” in “cold pressing” generally means low room temperature, while the term “pressing” denotes to putting force or pressure to something for shaping, squeezing, or flattening it. This is the technique through which cold pressed ground nut oil is being prepared.

In many ways cold pressed groundnut are quite beneficial for your health and it has several applications. Also termed as organic cold pressed groundnut oil, they are the excellent alternative to the refined oils that are widely available in the market. The refined oils that are sold in retail or online stores usually carry many elements that can be harmful to your health. It mainly includes elements such as acids, alkali and even bleach which the manufactures use to treat these oils. Along with that, the refined oils are also filtered, neutralized and deodorized with toxic chemicals like hexane, which is also a byproduct of crude oil and petroleum industry. 

Apart from that, refined oils also contain polysaturated fats which are unable to hold high heats and thus are not suitable for deep frying. Polysaturated fats also raises certain health risks such as cardiac issues, blood pressure, and high cholesterol. The oil during the cooking time oxidizes and turns into trans-fat. 

Cold pressed oils are on the other hand free from all types of additives and chemicals that can be an issue for your cooking and also your health. Cold pressed ground nut oil are not heated in high temperature such as 180-200 degree Celsius which helps in keeping its nutritive qualities. As they don’t include any chemical additives or processing, they are considerably a healthy option that you can have in your kitchen. 

Besides, the history of cold pressed ground nut oil dates back to as early as 5000 years which is close to Indus valley civilization. The organic cold pressed groundnut oil is once again becoming immensely popular among people as they are turning towards healthy cooking options.  Here are among some of the innumerable benefits that cold-pressed groundnut oil can provide to its users.

5 Benefits of Cold Pressed Groundnut Oil

1. Has a lot of anti-oxidants and vitamins 

The best thing about cold pressed groundnut oil is that the cholesterol level in it is zero. This thing makes the organic cold pressed groundnut oil immensely healthy. The cardiovascular conditions, high blood pressure, high cholesterol level is all result of high cholesterol content in refined oil. With zero cholesterol content, it reduces the risk of heart disease to a great extent and aids in keeping you healthy. Besides, cold pressed ground nut oil comprises plant-based sterols are beneficial in supporting healthy heart. 

The buck does not stop here. Cold pressed groundnut oil has phytosterols which are easily absorbed by the gut and it helps in reducing cholesterol content in your stomach. The oil also comprises Resveratrol, another component in the oil controls the veins and arteries. This helps to prevent stress on the cardiovascular system by managing blood pressure levels, which is quite beneficial.

2. Helps in improving skin health 

Cold pressed groundnut oil or organic cold pressed groundnut oil is not only good for your heart but also your skin. It is also among the countless benefits you can derive from this oil. Apart from consuming this groundnut oil, you can also apply it on your skin. The oil has high vitamin -E level that are beneficial in reducing signs of aging and other skin conditions. It also aids in keeping your skin moisturized and giving a soft and smooth feeling, preventing it from getting completely dry and rough.

Helps in improving insulin sensitivity 

Many people does not have that idea but cold-pressed groundnut oil have the ability to regulate blood sugar levels. As groundnut oil contains high levels of polysaturated and monosaturated fats. Because of this, body produces more insulin. Since the combination of these two processes helps in improving insulin production and blood sugar management. 

May aid in cancer prevention

Some of the studies highlights that organic cold pressed groundnut oil helps in prevention and also recovery of cancer. However, there is no concrete data or results related to it since there are still studies going on. It is believed that unsaturated fats and bioactive compounds in the groundnut oil which can help in fighting cancer. Beta-sitosterol and phytosterols which are the plant-based compounds in the cold pressed groundnut oil has a connection of lowering risk of breast, colon and prostate cancer. It has anti-cancer properties and averts growth of tumor and carcinogen production. 

Can we consume groundnut oil daily?

Yes, cold pressed groundnut oil can be consumed daily but in moderation. It can be a part of balanced diet but like any other oil, it is also  dense in calories and using it in excess can result in weight gain. Using it in moderate amount can be healthy for you. 

Since it comprises heart healthy monosaturated and polysaturated fats which are good for your cardiovascular health. Groundnut oil also has a lot of vitamin E and other antioxidants also has positive effects on your health. 

Can we use cold-pressed groundnut oil for deep frying?

It is generally not suggested to use cold-pressed groundnut oil for deep frying. All cold pressed oils such as cold pressed groundnut oil is usually less refined and also have a lower smoke point. 

The smoke point is defined as the temperature at which the oil starts breaking down and produces smoke. When using an oil for cooking, it is advised to use one with a high smoke point to avoid the formation of harmful compounds and at the same time some unhealthy byproducts.

Cold pressed ground nut oil has lower smoke point than the refined ones which can breakdown easily, produce smoke and create components that are not suitable for consumption.    

Which is better vegetable oil or groundnut oil?

Whether you should use vegetable oil or cold pressed groundnut oil mainly relies on various factors which encompasses cooking uses, flavor, and personal preferences. 

Groundnut oil or peanut oil has high level monosaturated and polysaturated fats which are believed to be healthy for heart. It also has considerable amount of vitamin E. Vegetable oil is derived from a broad category of plants like soyabean, sunflower, canola and blends of oil. 

Vegetable oil has a neutral favor and does not make a distinct impact on the taste in which it is used for cooking. On the other hand, groundnut oil has a nutty flavor which may be good for some cuisines but not for all recipes.

Vegetable oils can be used or variety of things including frying, sautéing, baking, and salad dressings. Cold pressed groundnut oil is generally utilized in Asian and African dishes for stir frying and deep frying. 

Which is better coconut oil or groundnut oil? 

Again, when it comes to comparison between two oils, namely groundnut oil and coconut oil, there are factors that differentiates the two. As mentioned, ground nut oil has high quantity of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats along with good level of vitamin E and antioxidants.  Coconut oil contains high saturated fats, mainly lauric acid. Some research says that all saturated fats might not be good for health but excess consumption can spike cholesterol level. 

Coconut oil has its own distinct flavor and aroma which can be good for some dishes and cuisines. Groundnut oil has that nutty taste which is suitable for African and Asian recipes. 

Coconut oil has low smoke point whereas groundnut oil has moderate to high smoke point. Coconut oil isn’t the best bet for high heating frying purpose. If deep frying, stir-frying, and sautéing is your thing then groundnut oil should be the preference as it has a lower smoke point.

On the part of health, it is known that groundnut oil is quite beneficial for health due to its components. The high saturated fats of coconut oil is a matter of debate due to its impact on cardiac health. However, it will be best that peanut oil or groundnut oil and coconut oil should be consumed in moderation.

It depends on the individual choices, flavors, cuisines and dietary preferences whether you will use groundnut oil or coconut oil for usage.