Cooking oil is an important part of every kitchen. With so many types of oils on the market, choosing the right one can be a petrifying task. Two of the most widely used oils are groundnut oil and olive oil.
Ground oil, also known as peanut oil, is often used in Asian cuisine, while olive oil is popular in Mediterranean cuisine.
Both oils have unique tastes, textures, and nutritional benefits that make them suitable for a variety of cooking styles and dishes.
In this article, we will compare Olive oil vs groundnut oil, discuss their differences, benefits, and determine which oil is best for certain cooking styles.
Let’s take a closer look at these two popular cooking oils.
What is Olive Oil?
Olive (Olea europaea) is a tree with edible fruits, leaves, and seeds. Olive oil is obtained from the olive fruit and contains monounsaturated fatty acids.
The fatty acids in olive oil are said to lower cholesterol and have anti-inflammatory properties. Olive oil is widely used in food. As a medicine, olive oil is most commonly used to treat heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
It is also used for high cholesterol, cancer, memory and thinking, migraines, obesity, and many other conditions, but there is not enough scientific evidence for many of these other uses.
The smoke point of additional virgin olive oil is 410°C. Olive oil is grassy, ​​sticky, and has a bitter, peppery taste. Olive oil helps reduce inflammation.
Olive oil prevents heart attacks and improves metabolism in the body. A moderate intake of olive oil will help you balance your weight. The five main categories of olive oil are:
- Olive oil,
- Pure olive oil,
- Refined olives,
- Virgin oil,
- Extra virgin oil.
What Are The Health Benefits of Olive Oil?
Olive oil has received a lot of praise and recognition and is known to be superior to other oils. If you’re wondering how olive oil is really good for your health. Here are its numerous health benefits.
A good source of good fats:
The benefits of olive oil are due to its high MUFA content. Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFAs) are a type of healthy fat that helps maintain a balanced blood lipid profile.
Olive oil contains about 83% oleic acid, which may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. It also eases blood pressure and helps maintain blood sugar levels.
Powerful Antioxidants:
Olive oil contains phenolic compounds such as oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol that act as antioxidants.
Hydroxytyrosol, another antioxidant found in olive oil, is known to have anti-inflammatory properties and may indirectly play a role in reducing the size of fat cells, making it an important factor in weight management.
Oleocanthal is also the active ingredient in olive oil that provides therapeutic benefits.
Maintain a happy heart:
Olive oil affects inflammatory markers in the blood and promises a calming effect. If you consume around two tablespoons of olive oil daily, it may reduce the risk of coronary artery disease. This is due to the high MUFA content found in olive oil.
Good for Skin and Hair:
The benefits of olive oil for the skin are due to its antioxidant properties. This oil contains essential fatty acids and is believed to have nourishing and moisturizing properties.
Treating the skin with olive oil has no side effects and leaves no burn marks. On the contrary, it reduces inflammation, also affects the immune system, has a protective effect on the body, and reduces signs of ageing.
It works wonders for the whole system:
A Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil is good for your health. It’s also good for your gut, as it protects your heart and encourages healthy microbes to thrive in your gut.
This is necessary for brain performance and cognition, and may also reduce the risk of depression.
Since olive oil is not a good source of free fatty acids, it helps prevent cell death and unwanted inflammation that cause insulin resistance, which usually leads to diabetes
What is Groundnut Oil?
- Groundnuts are one of the most important crops in our country, an inexpensive commodity, and a valuable source of all nutrients. Peanut oil is also commonly used in cooking in many parts of India.
- Groundnut oil is useful, especially when frying. It is an affordable option that includes polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. Unrefined peanut oil has a smoke point of 160°C and refined peanut oil has a smoke point of 450 degrees Celsius.
- Lower middle-class and middle-class families usually prefer cooking with peanut oil.
- It is deficient in highly nutritious antioxidants, vitamins, and polyphenols. This liquid peanut fat is rich in omega-6 fatty acids. A unique use of peanut oil in soap making with a soap base.
- Since it is not wheat oil, it is mainly served on fast days in North India. Consuming peanut oil is considered a religiously friendly option. Groundnuts belong to the legume family.
- The richness of legumes is found only in peanut oil. Peanut oil is reusable after filtration. Unlike refined soybeans, it can be used over and over again. It does not spoil easily, unlike other lower-quality oils on the market.
- Its neutral flavour does not mix with the core flavour of your meal. Being reusable makes it more marketable for peanut oil sellers.
5 Health Benefits of Groundnut Oil
Groundnut oil is considered very healthy, especially if it is organic. Here are a few benefits of Groundnut oil :
Source of unsaturated fat
Groundnuts contain good fat and this fat exists in the form of different types of fatty acids such as oleic acid, linoleic acid, and stearic acid.
Most of it is unsaturated fat (both poly and mono-fat) and is considered a good and healthy source of fat. Groundnut reduces the risk of heart disease and lowers bad cholesterol levels.
Maintain heart health
Groundnut oil does not contain any cholesterol, so it will not add unnecessary dietary cholesterol to your daily intake. Atherosclerosis, a disease in which plaque builds up around arteries and thickens them, can be avoided.
It also contains a substance called resveratrol, which lowers blood pressure and reduces stress on the cardiovascular system.
Contains Antioxidants
Antioxidants protect the body from toxins and free radicals. Groundnut oil has natural antioxidants that contain phytochemicals and vitamin E. Regular consumption also reduces inflammation. It is said to prevent many diseases, such as cancer.
Skincare
Vitamin E maintains healthy skin, keeping it young and healthy. Prevents premature skin ageing, wrinkles, and blemishes caused by free radicals.
Delay cognitive impairment
Resveratrol, found in peanuts, not only lowers blood pressure but also slows the progression of cognitive disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. As an antioxidant, it prevents free radicals from destroying neural pathways in the brain, halting disease progression.
Want to read more about groundnut oil – Is Groundnut Oil Good for Health? – Everything You Need To Know .
Olive Oil vs Groundnut Oil – Which Is Healthier?
There is lots of confusion about which oil is better for your health or which oil is not. Let’s have a look at some differences between olive oil and ground oil.
Antioxidant:
Peanut oil contains omega-6 fatty acids. On the other hand, olive oil contains omega-9 fatty acids.
Side effects:
Regular consumption of fried peanut oil leads to cardiac arrest, while frequent consumption of olive oil leads to weight gain and poor organ function.
Saturated fatty acids:
Peanut oil contains more saturated fat. Olive oil, on the other hand, contains very little saturated fat.
The purpose:
The purpose of using peanut oil is to add versatility to the dish, and the purpose of using olive oil is to add different flavours to the dish.
Existence:
Peanut oil refining began in the 1950s, and olive oil refining existed in the Mediterranean as early as 3500 BC.
FAQs: Olive Oil Vs Groundnut Oil
Are peanuts good for your health?
Yes, peanuts are good for your health. Peanuts are a good source of plant-based protein and are low in carbohydrates. This makes it a healthy dietary option for diabetics.
Are peanuts good for cholesterol?
Yes, peanuts are good for cholesterol. Several components of nuts, especially peanuts, contain beneficial oils, proteins, and fibre, all of which help lower cholesterol. They are rich in monounsaturated fats, a heart-healthy lipid that helps lower LDL levels.
When should I use peanut oil and olive oil?
If you want a versatile and affordable oil for frying and other high-temperature applications, use peanut oil. Use olive oil for its unique flavour and many health benefits.
How is peanut oil different from olive oil?
Peanut oil and olive oil are two different sources. Peanut oil is derived from peanuts, which are called peanuts in some parts of the world. Peanuts are legumes.
This oil is extracted from the edible seeds. Olive oil is derived from olives and is extracted from the olive fruit. Whole olives are cold pressed to extract the oil.
Closing up
In conclusion, both olive oil vs groundnut oil offer their own unique benefits and flavours. Groundnut oil, with its rich and nutty taste, is widely cherished around the world. It retains its natural essence through less filtration, ensuring that its distinct flavour remains intact.
On the other hand, olive oil boasts a range of beneficial substances, including extra antioxidants, vitamins, and polyphenols. These components contribute to its reputation as a healthy oil choice.
While both oils contain vitamin E, olive oil tends to have a greater concentration of these essential vitamins and antioxidants. So, whether you’re inclined towards the robust nuttiness of groundnut oil or the Mediterranean charm of olive oil, both options have their merits.
It ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and the specific cooking style or dish you’re preparing.
However, if you’re interested in exploring the wonders of olive oil vs groundnut oil, visit the Two Brothers store for the best wood-pressed groundnut oil .
Happy cooking and may your culinary adventures be filled with flavorful delights!
