Peanut oil is an oil rich in vitamins E with a strong antioxidant power. Useful against dry skin and dandruff, it helps regulate blood cholesterol levels. Let’s find out better.
Characteristics of peanut oil
Peanut oil is obtained by pressure pressing or by means of solvents and refining of the seeds of the Arachis hypogaea L plant. This plant is from the legume family and appears to be native to South America.
The composition of peanut oil is very similar to the composition of classic olive oil; in fact it contains more than half of monounsaturated fatty acids, which we remember are those fats that give the highest quality to vegetable oil, 18% saturated and 27% polyunsaturated.
The energy value of peanut oil is 900 calories per 100 grams. The oil does not contain proteins, carbohydrates and sugars being extracted from the seeds obtaining only the lipid part. It does not contain gluten and can therefore also be used for the diet of ciliates.
Storage must always take place in well-closed containers to prevent it from coming into contact with the environment, away from light and heat sources.
Properties and use of peanut oil
Its organoleptic properties are good and classify it in second place after olive oil; the slightly more delicate taste preferable in the preparation of various desserts and cakes.
The smoke point of peanut oil 230 ° C in the refined one, otherwise it has a smoke point of 170 ° C. This characteristic allows it to be used for frying as an alternative to olive oil, although an alternate use is still recommended .
Peanut oil contains a good dose of vitamin E which is an excellent antioxidant, and in fact it turns rancid less than other vegetable oils. Contains vitamin K and many tocopherols (207 mg) especially gamma tocopherol, which is associated with cardiovascular health. If you consume 10 grams of raw oil (therefore about a spoonful) we get 1.9 mg of vitamin E equal to 16% of the RDA (recommended daily allowance). Used as a supplement it is a good bowel purifier, helps hormonal regulation and if prepared as a base for massage oil it is excellent against back pain and in the prevention of rheumatism.
Peanut oil is useful for dry skin, eczema and diaper rash to soften and soothe the skin of babies or the elderly. In the case of dandruff or cracked skin it is used to relieve itching and soften flakes (do not use if the skin is heavily red or inflamed).
Another important effect is that, like olive oil, of lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood.
Widely used in the food industry as a component of bakery, pastry and other processed products such as mayonnaise.
Also from peanut seeds it is possible to obtain “peanut butter” by grinding which is a very nutritious spreadable compound typical of American countries.
A recipe in the kitchen
DIY vegan mayonnaise:
100 grams of soy milk, a pinch of salt, 200 grams of peanut oil, a teaspoon of lemon juice and a little turmeric or mustard to give a delicious flavor and a nice yellow color.
You need an immersion blender to emulsify everything. You start by putting in the special container, similar to a large plastic graduated glass, all the ingredients except the oil which must be added gradually gradually.
The more oil is added to the container, the more the mixture solidifies and becomes hard, so the quantity will also depend on the consistency you want to obtain. It can be kept for a few days in the refrigerator and served for salads, to fill sandwiches or to accompany dishes of various dishes.
