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Groundnut Oil: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects By Dr. Smita Barode

By Dr Smita Barode +2 more

Introduction: 

Groundnuts are consumed to enjoy our free time and can be used as a regular snack while watching your favourite movies. Groundnuts are used regularly in our day-to-day life which is a legume plant. The scientific name of the groundnut is Arachis hypogaea which grows in temperate and tropical regions. In industries, groundnuts are used in the production of oil, beverages, flour, protein concentrates, and sweet candy. Around 35 centuries ago the cultivation of groundnut started in South and Central America. The demand for groundnut oil increased day by day and the cultivation also spread all over the globe. Along with the oil, groundnuts are a rich source of bioactive compounds, proteins, minerals, and vitamins. Let us discuss the important health benefits of groundnut oil.1 

Did you know?

groundnut oil in a bowl

  • Groundnut oil is a rich source of monounsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels. source: fdc.nal.usda.gov
  • Groundnut oil is a rich source of monounsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels. source: fdc.nal.usda.gov
  • The consumption of groundnut oil has been associated with a reduced risk of certain types of cancer, including breast and colon cancer. source: cancer.org

Nutritional Value of Groundnut Oil: 

Groundnut oil contains the following nutrients:2 

Nutrient Amount per 100 g 
Fat 93.4g 
Vitamin E  15.2mg 
Vitamin K 4.2µg 
Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) 57.1g 
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) 19.9g 
Saturated fatty acids (SFA) 16.2g 
Trans fatty acids 0.172g 

Table 1: Nutrients present in 100 g of groundnut oil.2 

Properties of Groundnut Oil:  

Groundnut oil may have the following properties: 

  • It may act as antioxidant 
  • It might have anti-inflammatory activity 
  • It may have anticancer activity 
  • It might have antidiabetic activity 
  • It might protect the heart 
  • It might be anti-microbial1 

Also Read: Cod Liver Oil: Benefits, Side Effects By Dr. Smita Barode

From my experience, if you consume too many omega-6 fatty acids in your diet, they may be detrimental. Omega-6 fatty acids are found in peanut oil. Omega-6 fats have been linked in studies to a higher risk of heart disease. But using moderate amounts of peanut oil is often harmless.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD

Potential Uses of Groundnut Oil for Overall Health:  

Groundnut oil contains several nutrients that may have many benefits for the human body. Some of the potentials are as follows: 

1. Potential uses of groundnut oil for heart 

Twenty years of research indicated that people who frequently eat groundnut may have a lower risk of heart-related conditions. A collective data of 10 years has shown that people who consume peanuts, four to five times a week have a 30-50% reduction in heart disorders. The studies also indicated that people consuming groundnut and its oil reduced low-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol. Therefore, groundnut oil might benefit the heart. However, more studies are needed.3 If you have heart problems kindly, consult your doctor and do not self-medicate.  

2. Potential uses of groundnut oil for cancer 

Groundnut and its oil contain several phytochemicals such as campesterol, β-sitosterol, sigmasterol, and resveratrol, which may have a protective role against colon, breast, and prostate cancer. A collective study of 10 years has shown that consumption of groundnut may lower the risk of colorectal cancer in women. It contains β-sitosterol which may fight against breast, prostate, and colon cancer by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.3 Cancer is a serious condition, and it should be diagnosed and treated by a doctor. Do not self-medicate.  

3. Potential uses of groundnut oil for Brain 

Groundnut oil contains vitamin E and B3 which may protect against Alzheimer’s disease. The bioactive compound resveratrol in groundnut also fights against Alzheimer’s disease and nerve-related problems. However, more studies are required to claim these benefits of groundnut oil. If you have any brain-related problems kindly, consult the doctor and get proper medication.3 

4. Potential uses of groundnut oil for diabetes 

Groundnut maybe acts against diabetes. An animal study showed that oleic acid present in groundnut may enhance the production of insulin and reduce glucose levels. A collective study conducted by researchers of the Harvard School of Public Health consisting of 83,000 women, showed that women who consumed peanut butter or nuts had a lower risk for type 2 diabetes. However, more evidence is required to check if groundnut oil has beneficial effects on diabetes.3 Diabetes is a serious condition and must be properly diagnosed and treated by a doctor. Do not self-medicate. 

Though there are studies that show the benefits of groundnut oil in various conditions, these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of groundnut oil on human health. 

Also Read: Jowar: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects By Dr. Smita Barode

I suggest regulated consumption of groundnut oil as it is believed to strengthen the immune system. Vitamin E, an antioxidant that fights free radicals, is abundant in it.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

How to Use Groundnut Oil: 

You can use groundnut oil to prepare several food items such as sweets, bakery, food items including gravies, soup, chutney, snacks and pakoras. However, it is important that you seek advice from your doctor before consuming groundnut oil. 

You must consult a qualified doctor before taking groundnut oil in large quantities or any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.   

Also Read: Cottonseed Oil: Health Benefits, Uses, Side Effects & More! 

Side Effects of Groundnut Oil: 

The side effects of groundnut oil include peanut allergy. Refined peanut oil after all the proteins are removed may not be allergic. However, if the oil contains peanut protein, there are chances of allergic reactions.3  

Also Read: Quinoa: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects By Dr. Smita Barode

Precautions to Take with Groundnut Oil: 

Allergy: People who are allergic to groundnut must avoid groundnut oil. You should ensure that the groundnut oil is refined or consult your doctor before consuming groundnut oil.3 

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is insufficient information on groundnut oil usage during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, it would be best to take expert advice if you want to consume groundnut oil during pregnancy and breastfeeding. 

Also Read: Macadamia Nuts: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects By Dr. Rajeev Singh

Interactions with Other Drugs: 

Groundnut oil might react with medicines and alter their activity. However, there is not much information on the interaction of groundnut oil with medicines. Therefore, more studies are needed to check if it affects any medication. If you are taking certain medications, please consult your doctor before consuming groundnut oil. 

Frequently Asked Questions: 

What are the benefits of groundnut oil? 

Groundnut oil may contain bioactive compounds that might fight against various conditions like diabetes, Alzheimer’s, heart-related diseases, cancer, and hyper cholesterol.1 However, more studies are required to claim all these benefits. Do not self-medicate. It is important that you consult a doctor.  

Can I use groundnut oil in pregnancy? 

It may be possible that you might be allergic to groundnut oil. Therefore, you must contact your doctor if you want to consume groundnut oil during pregnancy. 

Can I use groundnut oil for diabetes? 

Studies have shown that consumption of groundnut oil might increase insulin production and fight against diabetes. However, more research is essential to check its effect on humans.3 Diabetes is a serious condition and must be properly diagnosed and treated by a doctor. Do not self-medicate. 

Is groundnut oil good for the heart? 

Many studies have shown that groundnut oil may lower the LDL and total cholesterol which may prevent heart-related diseases. However, consult your doctor before consuming groundnut oil for heart benefits.3 

Are there any side effects of groundnut oil? 

Some people are allergic to groundnut oil, and there are chances that the person can also be allergic to its oil. Therefore, a person must seek expert advice before using groundnut oil.3 

Also read: The Truth about Sunflower Oil: Is it Really Bad for You?

References: 

  1. Oilseeds: Health Attributes and Food Applications. [Internet]. 2021. Available from: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-981-15-4194-0  
  1. Oil, peanut [Internet]. FoodData Central. 2022. Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/1750348/nutrients 
  1. Akhtar S, Khalid N, Ahmed I, Shahzad A, Suleria H. Physicochemical Characteristics, Functional Properties, and Nutritional Benefits of Peanut Oil: A Review. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition [Internet]. 2014;54(12):1562-1575. Available from: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10408398.2011.644353   

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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