Peanut oil, also known as groundnut oil or arachis oil, is a vegetable-derived oil made from the edible seeds of the peanut plant.The seeds or peanuts actually develop underground. This is why peanuts are also known as groundnuts.

Peanuts are often grouped with tree nuts like walnuts and almonds, but they are actually a type of legume that belongs to the pea and bean family.

The fatty acid breakdown of peanut oil is 20% saturated fat, 50% monounsaturated fat (MUFA) and 30% polyunsaturated fat (PUFA).

Depending on processing, peanut oil can have a wide range of flavors that vary from mild and sweet to strong and nutty.

Cold-pressed peanut oil retains much of the natural peanut flavor and more nutrients than refining does.

Peanut oil is widely used around the world but is most common in Chinese, South Asian and Southeast Asian cooking. It became more popular in the United States during World War II when other oils were scarce due to food shortages.  Peanut oil along with its healthy fat content, can be a great addition to your diet  as long as you consume it in moderation. It has a high smoke point of 437℉ (225℃) and is commonly used to fry foods.Peanut oil is commonly used in cooking.

However, it does contain a good amount of polyunsaturated fat, which is less stable at high temperatures.

Peanut oil is used by the mouth to lower cholesterol and prevent heart disease and cancer. It may also help improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar in those with diabetes. Peanut oil is sometimes applied directly to the skin for arthritis, joint pain, dry skin, eczema, and other skin conditions.

Pharmaceutical companies use peanut oil in various products they prepare. Peanut oil is also used in skin care products and baby care products.

Skin Care

Peanut oil, like many vegetable oils, is quite rich in vitamin E, which is an essential vitamin for human beings. It is particularly important for the maintenance and health of the skin, protecting it from the effects of free radicals that cause wrinkles, blemishes, and other signs of premature aging. The vitamin E in peanut oil keeps your skin looking young and healthy as you get older.

Peanut oil is very often used in cosmetics. It can be found as an ingredient in the lip balms, sunscreens and in the hair products. It can be found in the products for a dry skin

Hair Benefits of Groundnut Oil

Groundnut oil contains a healthy amount of fatty acids and vitamins that can work wonders for your hair health. Vitamin E, one of the primary components in peanut oil, helps give your hair and hair follicles the much-needed nourishment and strengthening from inside out. On the other hand, oleic acid, palmitic acid, and linoleic acid help with damage restoration and promotion of hair growth.

Smoother, Softer, and Lustrous Hair

Organic, cold-pressed peanut oil is rich in vitamin E, which is a potent antioxidant. These antioxidants help in undoing hair damage and treat split ends while the oil locks in moisture. As a result, you will have softer, smoother hair when you use groundnut oil for hair.

Reduces Protein Loss in Hair

The application of peanut oil for hair helps build a barrier due to its emollient components. As a result, the barrier prevents the loss of protein from hair as you shampoo it. Some believe that peanuts, a rich source of protein, may also impart structural strength to your hair.

The barrier protection offered by peanut oil protects your hair even as you heat style them. It also helps that peanut oil has a high smoking point, which makes it suitable for heat treatment.

Promotes Healthy Scalp

One of the best uses of groundnut oil for hair is for its anti-dandruff capabilities. Once again, the vitamin E content helps in improving scalp health and overcoming dryness. Peanut oil may treat serious scalp infections such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. 

How to Use Peanut Oil for Hair

Following are ways in which you can enjoy the hair benefits of Peanut oil:

Hot Peanut Oil Treatment for Hair

Shampoo your hair first. Then heat about 4 to 5 tablespoons of groundnut oil and apply it to your scalp by sectioning your hair. Once you cover your scalp, apply the remaining along your hair strands. Gently massage your scalp and put on the shower cap. Rinse off the oil after an hour.

Dandruff Treatment Using Peanut Oil for Hair

Add 8 to 10 drops of tea tree essential oil and 6 to 10 drops of lemon juice to three tablespoons of groundnut oil. Massage it into your hair and over your scalp. Let it sit for a maximum of two hours before washing your hair with a mild shampoo.

Peanut Oil for Hair Growth

Combine two tablespoons of peanut oil with one egg yolk and coarsely ground peanuts. Apply the hair mask to your scalp after sectioning your hair. Gently massage it and let it rest for about two hours. Shampoo and condition your hair right after.

From the above, it becomes clear that organic, cold-pressed peanut oil is best for your hair. Choose organic oil if you wish to extract the maximum benefits for your hair!

Potential Health Benefits of Peanut Oil

Peanut oil is high in antioxidants and good fats that can keep your heart healthy and blood sugar levels down.

Using this oil for cooking can provide potential health benefits including:

Heart Health

With high levels of vitamin E and monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (unsaturated “good fats”), peanut oil could be good for the heart. 

Better Diabetes Control

Some studies have linked unsaturated fats to improved blood sugar levels. Consuming polyunsaturated fats instead of saturated fats can also improve insulin secretion, which helps keep blood sugar levels low.

Lower Cholesterol

The monounsaturated fats in peanut oil can also help you lower your bad cholesterol. Bad cholesterol can clog or block arteries, leading to heart disease and stroke.

Boosts Immune System

One of the most important benefits of peanut oil is the improvement of your immune system. Viral and fungal infections are particularly susceptible to this antioxidant, so adding peanut oil to your diet can keep you healthy in yet another way, by stimulating your white blood cell production to fend off any foreign agents in your body. 

Precautions

Allergies to peanuts are one of the most common in children. A peanut allergy can lead to severe attacks. So people with peanut allergy should avoid using this oil. However, it’s not clear whether peanut oil will cause the same severe allergic reaction. The omega-6 fatty acids in peanut oil can be harmful if your diet consists of too much of this type of fat. However, consuming peanut oil in moderation is generally considered safe.