9 Benefits Of Peanut Oil, Types, And Side Effects

The many benefits of peanut oil stem from its rich nutritional profile. It happens to be among the healthier cooking oils. It is believed to be low in cholesterol and trans fats, though more research is warranted. Most anecdotal evidence suggests that the oil could be a healthier alternative.

However, the oil may also have possible side effects. In this post, we will discuss both sides of the oil. We will also understand if peanut oil is really fit for use in cooking.

Know Your Ingredient: Peanut Oil

What Is It?
A type of seed oil extracted from peanuts.

What Are Its Benefits?
May help improve heart and joint health, cognitive performance, reduce inflammation, enhance insulin production and reduce cancer risks. Topical application can help fight skin aging, dermatitis and boost hair growth.

Who Can Use It?
Suitable for use on all skin and hair types, except for people with a peanut allergy.

How Often?
Can be consumed daily in moderation.

Caution
May increase risk of heart disease and result in non-alcoholic fatty liver condition, unwanted weight gain, allergies, and inflammatory bowel disease.

What Is Peanut Oil?

Peanut oil is often referred to as groundnut oil. It is a vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the peanut plant.

Some believe that the goodness of peanut oil primarily boils down to its vitamin E content. Vitamin E is an antioxidant known to reduce free radical damage and cut heart disease risk (1).

What Are The Different Types Of Peanut Oil?

Peanut oil is available in different types:

1. Refined peanut oil, which is refined, bleached, and deodorized. The process removes allergens in the oil, and this makes it safe for people with peanut allergies.

2. Cold-pressed peanut oil, where the peanuts are crushed, and the oil is forced out. This one retains more flavor and nutrients.

3. Gourmet peanut oil that is usually roasted and has an intense flavor.

4. Peanut oil blend, where the oil is blended with another oil with a similar taste.

Trivia

Refined peanut oil is preferred over other vegetable oils for preparing salad dressings, mayonnaise, and similar food products that need to be stored below -12.2°C due to its superior quality.

What Are The Benefits Of Peanut Oil?

1. May Promote Heart Health

Peanut oil contains vitamin E (2). Studies show that this vitamin can fight free radicals, which may cause heart disease (3).

The oil is also rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (2). These are linked to a lowered cardiovascular disease risk. As per the American Heart Association, these types of fats can reduce heart disease risk by as much as 30% (4).

Some anecdotal evidence suggests that the oil may also lower bad cholesterol levels. However, more research is needed to support this statement.

2. May Enhance Cognitive Health

There is no direct research stating that peanut oil may promote cognitive health. However, the vitamin E it contains may play a role.

Studies show that vitamin E may promote healthy brain aging in the elderly. The nutrient may also reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s diseaseⁱ  XA progressive disease that occurs due to the degeneration of neurons in the brain, which causes dementia and impaired cognitive functions. (5).

Vitamin E supplementation was also found to boost motor activities in individuals (5).

3. May Improve Insulin Sensitivity

Peanut oil contains oleic acid, which was found to improve insulin production in type 2 diabetes. A diet high in peanut oil can also reverse the negative effects of inflammation on type 2 diabetes (6).

Peanut oil also contains polyunsaturated fatty acids. These are healthy fats. Studies show that PUFAsⁱ  XPolyunsaturated fatty acids are fats that are important for nerve function and are commonly found in vegetable oils and seeds. may improve blood glucose levels, treat insulin resistance, and enhance insulin secretion capacity. Replacing dietary saturated fat with polyunsaturated fat improved insulin secretion in those with diabetes (7).

A combination of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (as present in peanut oil) may also enhance insulin sensitivity in individuals with diabetes.

4. May Help Reduce Cancer Risk

Peanut oil contains phytosterolsⁱ  XNatural compounds found in plants that help lower blood cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. , compounds recognized for their potential anticancer properties. These compounds might reduce the risk of the cancers of the prostate and colon. Some research states that they may reduce the risk of breast cancer (8).

Phytosterols, in general, have also been studied for their anticancer effects. Emerging evidence states that these compounds may inhibit the cancers of the lung, stomach, and ovaries (9).

Some believe that the polyphenol antioxidants in peanut oil fight free radicals, which may contribute to cancer prevention. Peanut oil may act as a natural tonic that may boost immune levels.

5. May Help Relieve Joint Pains

Peanut oil contains polyunsaturated fatty acids (2). Studies state their therapeutic potential in treating joint pains in the case of rheumatoid arthritisⁱ  XA chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the joints in the hands and legs, which can gradually lead to bone erosion. (10).

The oil could be used to relieve debilitating joint pains. Peanut oil is applied to the skin directly and massaged well, and this may offer some relief. However, there is insufficient information on the topical application of peanut oil. Please consult your doctor before you use the oil for this purpose.

Insufficient Evidence For The Following

6. May Delay Signs Of Aging

There is no direct research stating that peanut oil may delay the signs of aging. However, some research states that the vitamin E in the oil could help in this regard (11).

Vitamin E is an important ingredient in most over-the-counter anti-aging products (11).

Vitamin E also fights the adverse effects of oxidative stress. Some of these effects include photoaging (which is the accelerated aging of the skin with the influence of UV radiation) (12).

Applying peanut oil topically may offer anti-aging benefits, though there is no research to prove this. The vitamin E it contains may fight free radicals, which may otherwise accelerate aging signs like wrinkles and fine lines.

7. May Treat Dry Skin

Topical vitamin E may improve the symptoms of atopic dermatitis. The condition is characterized by red and itchy skin, sometimes accompanied by dry skin (13).

A study conducted on 2.1 million patients found that the lifetime prevalence of atopic dermatitis in the Australian general practice population was 16.4%. Its prevalence was higher in females (17.3%) than in males (15.3%). Furthermore, the study found that 1 in 5 patients who suffered from the condition had moderate‐to‐severe symptoms of the disease.

 The topical application of peanut oil could help treat dry skin, but research is limited. Some believe the oil also has moisturizing properties that could help. You can apply the oil to your face and other affected areas and leave it on for about 20 minutes. Take a bath as usual.

8. May Boost Hair Growth

Some research suggests that the ingestion of vitamin E supplements may boost hair growth (14). But there is limited information if the same effect could be achieved with topical application.

Some believe that the topical application of vitamin E may reduce protein loss from hair and make it thicker. The oil is also thought to moisturize split ends and regenerate damaged hair.

9. May Help Treat Scalp Psoriasis

Some studies state that vitamin E may aid the treatment of psoriasis, including that of the skin and scalp (15).

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the antioxidants in peanut oil may treat dandruff, and in some cases, can aid the treatment of scalp psoriasis. This could be attributed to the moisturizing properties of peanut oil.

How Else Can Peanut Oil Be Used?

There are different ways peanut oil can be used:

• Cooking

Peanut oil is low in saturated fats and rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. This is why it is ideal for cooking. It works particularly well with Asian foods that are predominantly prepared in the wok.

• Making Soap

You can also use the oil to make soap. Thanks to its conditioning properties, the soap can boost skin health. One downside is that the oil may not last long in your soap as it can turn rancid quite fast. 

• Making Biodiesel

Peanuts are more than 50% oil, which is why one acre of them produces about 123 gallons of oil. Though this alternative fuel is slightly expensive, it might be where the future lies.

• Vaccines

In fact, this has been happening since the 1960s. The oil was used in influenza shots to lengthen immunity in patients.

Trivia

Peanut oil is commonly used in the food processing industry. The global production volume of peanut oil is 6.48 million metric tonnes in 2021-22.

What Is The Nutritional Profile Of Peanut Oil?

One cup of peanut oil offers you 169% of the daily value of vitamin E. The following table shows the nutritional value of peanut oil in detail.

Values sourced from U.S. Department of Agriculture, oil, peanut

Excess intake of peanut oil may cause certain side effects. We have discussed them in the next section.

Side Effects And Allergies Of Peanut Oil

• High Amount Of Omega-6 Fatty Acids

Peanut oil is high in omega-6 fatty acids. Though these fatty acids are important, their excess intake may cause issues. Omega-6 fatty acids tend to be pro-inflammatory in nature (16).

The typical Western diet consists of higher amounts of omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids. When this is the case, adding excess of peanut oil may further increase the levels of omega-6 fatty acids. This can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, and inflammatory bowel disease (16).

• Allergies

Those having a peanut allergy may also develop an allergic response to the oil. Signs of these allergies include urticaria (a type of round skin rash), gastrointestinal and upper respiratory tract reactions, and anaphylaxisⁱ  XA severe, life-threatening response to an allergic reaction that occurs within seconds or minutes of exposure to an allergen. (17).

• The Oil Could Be Prone To Oxidation

The polyunsaturated fatty acids in the oil may be easily prone to oxidation. Merely heating the oil can result in this phenomenon. This oxidation can create free radicals that can cause harm to the body (also called oxidative damage). This may cause inflammation and damage the immune system (18).

Hence, using peanut oil regularly for cooking may not be a good idea especially if you are on a weight loss diet. You may want to go for a healthier option, like olive oil (extra virgin olive oil could be a better idea).

In case you are pregnant or breastfeeding, stick to normal amounts of peanut oil (after consulting your doctor). Don’t consume excess of it. Also, avoid the oil if you are allergic to peanuts, soybeans, and other related plants (members from the Fabaceae plant family).

Those allergic to peanut oil often consider going for canola oil. But how do the two compare? Learn more in the next section.

Peanut Oil Vs. Canola Oil

Canola oil, like peanut oil, is neutral with a mild flavor. It is ideal for those occasions when you do not want to add any extra flavor to your dish. Canola oil has a higher smoke point of 425-450°F (220–230°C), while peanut oil’s smoke point sits at 400°F (205°C). This makes both of them suitable for frying. Both oils also have similar calorific values. While 100 grams of peanut oil have 900 calories, 100 grams of canola oil have 884 calories (19), (20). You can use either of them as per your dietary preferences.

Infographic: Top 7 Health Benefits Of Peanut Oil

Peanut oil has been used for centuries for its versatility and nutritious composition. This culinary plant oil can improve your general well-being, promote heart health, and give you healthy skin. Check out the infographic below to learn more about the top benefits of incorporating peanut oil into your daily routine.

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Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good substitute for peanut oil?

Almond oil can be a good substitute, given it has a similarly high smoke point.

How long does peanut oil last?

Unopened peanut oil can last for about a year. But once opened, it lasts only for four to six months. It can get rancid after that.

Is peanut oil better than olive oil?

Though both are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, peanut oil has higher levels of omega-6 fatty acids. Hence, it may not be as healthy as olive oil in cooking. In terms of regular use, olive oil could be better than peanut oil.

How long does it take to heat peanut oil?

Peanut oil takes about 10 minutes to get heated.

What temperature does peanut oil boil at?

Peanut oil boils at about 450o F (also called smoke point).

Is frying in peanut oil healthier?

Peanut oil is unsuitable for high-heat cooking (like deep frying). The fats in the oil degrade when exposed to high heat and may adversely affect health.

Which is healthier, peanut oil or avocado oil?

Both are nutritious. However, polyunsaturated fatty acids in peanut oil make it less healthy than avocado oil, which has an excellent nutritional value at low and high temperatures (17).

Can you cook vegetables in peanut oil?

Yes, you can cook or saute vegetables in peanut oil at medium flame.

Is it OK to fry chicken in peanut oil?

Yes, you can fry chicken in peanut oil. However, do not use it for deep frying as the polyunsaturated fatty acids degrade and may affect your health.

Can you mix olive oil and peanut oil?

Yes, you can mix olive and peanut oil. However, the resultant oil will have the lower smoking point of the two.

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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Beth OpferMS, RDN, LDN

   

Beth Opfer is a practicing, licensed registered dietitian nutritionist in Ohio and sees patients privately for nutrition counseling throughout Northern Ohio. She has 7 years of experience and is also a food blogger for the Cleveland area, working with several local eateries around the city.   After studying Public Health and playing basketball for her first two years on an...more

Ravi Teja TadimallaSenior Editor

 

Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a senior editor and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over eight years. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University. He has written over 300 articles about ingredients and their benefits for the skin, hair, and health. He...more

Arshiya SyedaSenior Editor

Arshiya Syeda is a senior editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She holds a bachelor's degree in literature and psychology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a post-graduate diploma in psychological...more

Sindhu KogantiSenior Health & Wellness Writer

Sindhu Koganti is a Certified Health and Nutrition Life Coach and has over 6 years of experience in writing on health and wellness topics. She has a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, and a diploma in nutrition from Fab Academy. After her graduation, she decided to combine her knowledge of science and love for writing to...more