What is Cold Pressed Groundnut Oil
Interestingly, the process of cold-pressing oils dates back to ancient India. Oil pressing machinery was discovered in the ruins of the Indus Valley Civilization. It means that our ancestors were using cold-pressed oil in their diet even 5000 years ago!
Cold pressed oils are obtained by crushing oil from groundnut seeds at room temperature. No heat is applied to oil seeds while extracting oil. Oil extracted is allowed to sediment for about two weeks before getting filtered without chemical intervention. This process was followed by our elders in olden days.
Groundnut oil is also known as the Kadlekai eNNe, Arachis or peanut oil. Groundnuts are often confused with the nuts like almonds or walnuts, but they are a variety of legume that belongs to the bean and pea family.
Cold-pressed groundnut oil includes natural and nutty flavour of the seeds. In the cold-pressing method, groundnuts are crushed at low speed thus ensuring lesser friction and heat. Due to the lower amount of heat generation during the process, oil retains all the natural goodness and nutrients after extraction.
Is cold-pressed groundnut oil good for frying?
People extensively use peanut oil for cooking and deep frying due to its capacity to sustain its nutritional values even at high temperatures. It is considered for roasting, baking, and stir-frying as well. It includes a higher smoking point, because of which they get used in deep frying.
Why Groundnut Oil generate foam while cooking
Cold Pressed oils have the natural tendency to foam because of the moisture content present in them. So if your cold pressed oil isn’t foaming while exposed to heat, there are possibilities of it containing Anti foaming agent and chemicals. These chemicals are added in refined oils to stop the foam formation and have the ability to create health complications. Plenty of factors play a major role in foaming, like the region where it is grown, the soil, climatic condition, etc. Over and above these factors, the enzymes which are in the food also play a major role in foaming during the frying process. Please Note- Foaming does not indicate that the oil is impure or contaminated rather it gives a proof of purity.
5 major health benefits of cold-pressed groundnut oil
High in Antioxidants : Cold Pressed Groundnut Oil has many health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants as its vitamins, and minerals naturally present in groundnut oil are retained.
Prevent Heart Diseases and Cancer: Every tablespoon of groundnut oil contains 11% of the vitamin E in it. Vitamin E is a type of fat-soluble compound that helps to perform various significant body functions. The primary role of vitamin E is to act like an antioxidant that prevents the formation of toxic substances called free radicals. Free radicals cause damage to the cells if they increase in number. They are responsible for chronic diseases like heart problems and cancer. Vitamin E also assists in making the immunity system strong to fight against viruses and bacteria. It is also significant for cell signaling, red blood cell formation, and the prevention of any blood clots.
Improves Insulin Sensitivity: Cold Pressed peanut oil contains polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat that might help control the blood sugar level in people suffering from diabetes.Your body slows down the absorption of fat and secretes more insulin, both of which contribute to better blood sugar management.
Reduces Blood Pressure: Consumption of Cold Pressed Groundnut Oil results in regulating Blood Sugar level.
Skin Care: Groundnut oil is also helpful in the maintenance of healthy skin. It protects the skin from the effects of free radicals like blemishes, premature aging signs, and wrinkles. Consumption of Groundnut oil helps to keep the skin healthy and young.