Peanut oil

Peanut Oil. Good or bad?

Let’s first start with the base of what we’re talkin’ about. Peanuts.

And I’ve heard on many websites like listverse and others say that while nuts are generally healthy, they point their finger to the fact that some are roasted in unhealthy fat. Now here’s the big BUTT: “but they contain A LOT of the kind of unsaturated fatty acids known as omega-6 fatty acids”.

I’m thinking peanuts are bad for you. And that’s probably why. It pisses me off every time I go to make a peanut butter sandwich! lol

And it’s not just the acids, but apparently the ratio: “It is a scientific fact that a food intake with a too distorted omega 6:omega 3 ratio (in favor of the omega 6 version), increases the risk for many common diseases, like diabetes and Alzheimer’s. The ratio SHOULD be 1:1, but the American diet ranges between 1:20 and 1:50, in favor of the omega 6”.

But the different people that are talking about peanuts are now saying eat them in moderation raw without salt added.

Raw? Without salt? Yay! That means when I go to the store and they are grinding their own peanut butter, it’s all good! Hurray for Jimbo’s! And let me remember that less is more! Spread it like it’s butter, not peanut butter! Maybe with some sliced bananas for ‘filler’. lol

So let’s segue-way to the Peanut Oil.

I have found myself asking about oils lately…. We all know that canola is genetically modified, so the question about canola oil has finally been answered… at least for me. Even with a higher burning point, and all the stories about how it really isn’t genetically modified. Who knows! So side with safety. Wait to use it till we know for sure and there’s not this much buzz about it. To quote a friend: it has no flavor anyway, so I’m not really missing much”!

So when we’re looking for an oil with a higher burning point, what do we think of? Peanut Oil. Yes indeed. Good flavor. High burning point. But, but, BUT what?

Here’s what I lifted off of WebMD:

Peanut oil is the oil from the seed, also called the nut, of the peanut plant. Peanut oil is used to make medicine.

Peanut oil is used to lower cholesterol and prevent heart disease. It is also used to decrease appetite as an aid to weight loss. Some people use it to help preventcancer.

Peanut oil is sometimes applied directly to the skin for arthritis and joint pain, dry skin,eczema, scalp crusting and scaling without hair loss, and other skin disorders that cause scaling.

Rectally, peanut oil is used in ointments and medicinal oils for treating constipation.

Pharmaceutical companies use peanut oil in various products they prepare for internal and external use.

In manufacturing, peanut oil is used in skin care products and baby care products.

Sometimes the less expensive soya oil is added to peanut oil.

So far, so good? Let’s keep reading.

How does it work?

Peanut oil is high in monounsaturated “good” fat, and low in saturated “bad” fat, which is believed to help prevent heart disease and lower cholesterol. However, in animal studies, peanut oil has been shown to clog arteries, and this would increase the risk for heart disease.

Peanut Oil has been shown to clog arteries. Damn!

So let’s go back to the original concept. Peanuts and Peanut Oil every once in a while won’t kill you.

I can live with that.

Happy Eating,

Chef Marian