As a legume, the peanut belongs to the botanical family Fabaceae; this is also known as Leguminosae, and commonly known as the bean, or pea, family. Peanut oil is best known for its cardiovascular benefits. Unlike other vegetable oils, peanut oil does not contain cholesterol. This makes it an ideal cooking choice as it helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular conditions such as atherosclerosis. Likewise, the presence of plant sterols helps mitigate heart risk by competing for cholesterol absorption in the stomach and intestines. This, in turn, lowers cholesterol levels by 10 to 15 percent.
Peanut oil is also an excellent source of monounsaturated fats that increase good cholesterol levels in the blood, thereby slashing the risk of coronary artery disease and heart attack. Additionally, the high linoleic acid levels in peanut oil facilitate the contraction and dilation of blood vessels and other muscles in the body. Aside from this, the resveratrol in peanut oils is known to counter the effects of various hormones that trigger arterial and blood vessel constriction. As a result, this decreases blood pressure and cardiac stress.
In addition, peanut oil contains powerful polyphenol antioxidants that combat the harmful effects of free radicals and lower the odds of developing cancer. Likewise, its antispasmodic effect helps improve the body’s insulin levels and regulates blood sugar rates. Similarly, peanut oil is known for its efficacy in alleviating various digestive issues such as constipation and diarrhea. Besides this, the oil’s resveratrol content is found to stave off cognitive disorders like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Moreover, peanut oil is an excellent source of protein that promotes muscle growth and stamina. It can also be used as an essential oil in massage to help rejuvenate the body and relieve muscle and joint pain. Furthermore, peanut oil is touted to address various skin conditions such as rashes and acne. The oil can also be used to promote hair growth and treat dandruff.
