The Good and Bad of Peanut Oil: Benefits for Health and Precautions

Unlike other vegetable oils, peanut oil is free from any type of cholesterol, which is a major cause of heart-related problems such as atherosclerosis (blockage of arteries). Apart from being cholesterol-free, it also helps in reducing the current cholesterol levels of the body. The phytosterols present in it help in the absorption of cholesterol in the stomach, which reduces our cholesterol level by 10-15%. Use a limited amount of peanut oil in your daily diet to maintain proper cholesterol levels and for heart health.

As mentioned above, reducing the chances of atherosclerosis reduces the chances of heart attack and stroke. Peanut oil also contains monounsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid, which increases the levels of good cholesterol (HDL). This beneficial cholesterol actually helps to reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and reduce the chances of coronary heart disease and stroke.

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Peanut oil contains high amounts of polyphenol antioxidants such as resveratrol. These compounds help eliminate free radicals that cause many diseases in the body, such as cancer. Studies have shown that vegetable oils that contain high amounts of resveratrol, like peanut oil, this powerful antioxidant helps reduce the risk of developing cancer.

Resveratrol is also important for other functions of the body. It interacts with various hormones in the body that affect blood vessels such as angiotensin, which causes vessels and arteries to constrict. By eliminating the effects of that hormone, resveratrol helps lower blood pressure, thereby reducing stress on the heart and blood vessels.

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Alzheimer's disease is the most widespread and tragic disease that affects people as they get older. Resveratrol, an antioxidant present in peanut oil, helps to slow down or eliminate disorders like Alzheimer's disease and dementia at the very beginning. Free radicals damage the nerves in the brain. Resveratrol helps to eliminate these free radicals.

Like many vegetable oils, peanut oil also contains vitamin E which is a very essential vitamin for us. This vitamin is important for skin maintenance and health. It protects the skin from free radicals that cause wrinkles, spots and the aging process. Vitamin E found in peanut oil keeps your skin young and healthy.

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Resveratrol found in peanut oil helps in improving our immune system. This antioxidant especially protects us from viral and fungal infections. So consume peanut oil in your diet. Consumption of peanut oil increases white blood cells and keeps us healthy.

Peanut oil fulfills the deficiency of protein in the hair and thickens the hair. It moisturizes the split ends and provides nourishment to the damaged hair again. To eliminate dandruff, mix one tablespoon of peanut oil and a few drops of lemon juice and tea tree oil in a clean bowl and mix well. Then apply it on your head and leave it for 2-3 hours. Now wash your hair with shampoo. It is a natural antiseptic to treat dandruff.

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Peanut oil is effective for treating joint pain and muscle pain. A massage with peanut oil re-energizes the body and gives relief from all kinds of pain including arthritis-related pain.

Peanut oil is beneficial for diabetics. Its regular use improves the insulin level of the body. Peanut oil helps to normalize the level of glucose in the blood and controls the blood sugar level.

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