The average daily consumption of cooking oils in India is about 65 grams per person per day, which corresponds to an annual per capita intake of nearly 24 kg—a figure that has tripled since 2001. This means cooking oils play an important role in everyday life. But what matters is which cooking oil you are using—and is it healthy? Among the several options available, groundnut oil emerges as one of the best cooking oils in India, known for its rich flavour, health benefits, and affordable price. Did you know groundnut oil is also recognized for its brain-boosting properties? Let us understand all about groundnut oil in detail in this informative blog.
What Is Groundnut Oil?
Groundnut oil is a type of edible oil made by pressing peanuts. Peanuts, although called “nuts,” actually grow underground and are part of the bean family. The oil has a light taste and a pleasant smell, making it one of the best cooking oils in India. Because it does not burn easily at high heat, groundnut oil is a good choice for frying, roasting, and making curries. People use it because it adds flavour and is considered a healthier option in many kitchens.
Types of Groundnut oil
Refined Groundnut Oil: Processed to remove impurities, it has a neutral taste and a longer shelf life. It’s great for high-heat cooking like frying.
Cold-Pressed Groundnut Oil: Extracted without heat or chemicals, this type keeps more nutrients intact and has a strong nutty flavour. It’s considered one of the best cold-pressed oils in India for healthy cooking.
Filtered Groundnut Oil: Minimally processed, it retains some nutrients and flavour but contains less nutrition than cold-pressed oil.
Roasted Groundnut Oil: Used mainly for seasoning, it adds a deep, roasted flavour to dishes.
Each type of groundnut has its own uses, but cold-pressed groundnut oil is often praised for being the healthiest oil due to its minimal processing.
Nutritional Profile of Groundnut Oil
Groundnut oil (peanut oil) contains mostly monounsaturated fats (about 50%) and polyunsaturated fats (about 30%), both of which are considered “good fats” that can support heart and brain health. It is also rich in vitamin E, which helps protect body cells, including those in the brain, from damage. Groundnut oil features small amounts of compounds like resveratrol and phytosterols, which further help fight cell damage and may contribute to lower cholesterol.
Monounsaturated Fats (MUFAs): Helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL), raise good cholesterol (HDL), and support healthy blood flow for the brain.
Polyunsaturated Fats (PUFAs): These include omega-6 fatty acids, which are important for brain cell structure but should be consumed in balance with omega-3s.
Vitamin E: A powerful antioxidant that protects cells, including brain cells, from damage caused by free radicals.
Resveratrol: A compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, though present in small amounts.
Phytosterols: Plant compounds that may help lower cholesterol and support heart health.
Groundnut oil is also cholesterol-free and provides about 884 calories per 100 grams, making it energy-rich. Its high smoke point (around 450°F) makes it one of the best groundnut oils in India for cooking at high temperatures without breaking down.
How Does Groundnut Oil Affect Brain Health?
Your brain needs healthy fats, antioxidants, and good blood flow to work well. Let’s break down how groundnut oil might help and whether it’s one of the best cooking oils in India for brain health.
1. Healthy Fats for Brain Structure
The brain is made up of nearly 60% fat, so it needs healthy fats to stay strong. The MUFAs in groundnut oil support heart health, which ensures better blood flow to the brain. Good circulation delivers oxygen and nutrients, helping your brain think clearly and stay sharp. While groundnut oil doesn’t have omega-3 fats (like fish oil or flaxseed oil, which are known for brain health), its omega-6 fats still play a role in building brain cell membranes.
2. Vitamin E for Brain Protection
Vitamin E is a star nutrient in groundnut oil. It acts like a shield, protecting brain cells from damage caused by free radicals—harmful molecules that can come from pollution, stress, or unhealthy food. Some studies suggest that vitamin E may slow down memory decline in older adults, especially in conditions like Alzheimer’s. By choosing healthy groundnut oil, like cold-pressed varieties, you get more vitamin E compared to refined oils.
3. Resveratrol for Reduced Inflammation
Groundnut oil contains a small amount of resveratrol, a compound that may reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation can harm brain cells over time, so lowering it could help keep your brain healthy. However, the resveratrol in groundnut oil is minimal, so it’s not a major brain booster on its own.
4. Stress Reduction and Mood Support
Some sources claim groundnut oil has tryptophan, an amino acid that helps produce serotonin, a feel-good chemical in the brain. This could, in theory, reduce stress and improve mood. But since tryptophan is mainly found in peanuts, not the oil, this benefit is likely small.
Things to Keep in Mind
Groundnut oil has some benefits, but it’s not a miracle cure for brain health. Here are a few limitations:
No Omega-3s: Groundnut oil does not contain omega-3 fats like flaxseed or fish oil, which are more directly linked to brain benefits. Its omega-6 fats are good but need to be balanced with omega-3s in the diet.
Limited Research: There are few direct studies proving groundnut oil improves brain function. Most benefits come indirectly from its healthy fats, vitamin E, and antioxidants which support overall brain and heart health.
Calorie Caution: Groundnut oil is calorie-dense. Excessive consumption can lead to weight gain, which negatively affects brain and general health.
Allergy Risk: People allergic to peanuts should avoid groundnut oil, especially unrefined or cold-pressed types, as they may trigger allergic reactions.
In short, groundnut oil can support brain health as part of a balanced diet, but it’s not as powerful as some other oils for this specific purpose.
Other Health Benefits of Groundnut Oil
Beyond the brain, groundnut oil offers many benefits that make it one of the best groundnut oils in India:
Heart Health: Its MUFAs and PUFAs may help lower bad cholesterol and support heart function, reducing the risk of heart disease.
Skin and Hair Care: Vitamin E in groundnut oil can moisturize skin and strengthen hair when used topically or in food.
High Smoke Point: Perfect for frying samosas, pakoras, or stir-fries, it stays stable at high temperatures.
Nutty Flavour: Cold-pressed groundnut oil adds a delicious taste to dishes, making it a favourite for Indian cooking.
How to Use Groundnut Oil for Maximum Benefits
To get the most out of groundnut oil, follow these tips:
Choose Cold-Pressed: Opt for best cold-pressed groundnut oil to retain nutrients and flavour. Brands like Jivo offer high-quality options.
Use in Moderation: Stick to 1–2 tablespoons daily to avoid excess calories.
Combine with Other Oils: Pair groundnut oil with oils like olive or flaxseed for a balance of fats.
Store Properly: Keep it in a cool, dark place to maintain freshness and nutrient content.
Versatile Cooking: Use it for frying, sautéing, or even drizzling over salads for a nutty twist.
How Does Groundnut Oil Compare to Other Oils?
How does groundnut oil stack up against other best cooking oils in India for brain health? Let’s compare:
Olive Oil: Olive oil is very rich in healthy fats and antioxidants. Extra virgin olive oil has strong powers to fight inflammation, which can protect the brain better over time. But it is best used at low heat or raw.
Flaxseed Oil: Flaxseed oil is rich in omega-3 fats, which are excellent for brain function and memory. However, it cannot be heated much because it burns easily, so it’s mostly used raw.
Coconut Oil: Coconut oil has special fats called MCTs that give quick energy to the brain. But it also has more saturated fat, so people need to be careful using it too much.
Mustard Oil: Mustard oil has some healthy fats and antioxidants too. It is popular in some parts of India but has a strong flavour that not everyone likes.
Groundnut oil is a great all-rounder, especially for Indian cooking, but for brain health, it’s best used alongside other nutrient-rich oils.
Best Groundnut Oil in India – Cold-Pressed Version
When it comes to choosing the best groundnut oil in India, Jivo’s cold-pressed Groundnut Oil is a top contender. Made from high-quality peanuts, Jivo uses the traditional cold-pressing method to ensure maximum nutrient retention. This unrefined oil is free from chemicals and preservatives, delivering a rich, nutty flavour that enhances your dishes. Whether you’re frying, sautéing, or making a salad dressing, Jivo Groundnut Oil is a healthy and versatile choice for every kitchen.
Jivo stands out for its commitment to quality and purity. Sourced from premium peanuts, it’s extracted without heat, preserving antioxidants like vitamin E and healthy fats that support heart and overall health. Its high smoke point makes it perfect for Indian cooking, from crispy snacks to flavourful curries.
Features of Jivo Groundnut Oil:
- 100% Natural and Unrefined: No chemicals or additives, ensuring pure, wholesome oil.
- Cold-Pressed: Retains essential nutrients like vitamin E and healthy fats.
- High Smoke Point: Ideal for deep-frying, stir-frying, and roasting without breaking down.
- Rich Nutty Flavour: Enhances the taste of traditional Indian dishes.
- Heart-Healthy: Packed with MUFAs and PUFAs to support cholesterol levels.
- Versatile: Great for cooking, baking, and even skin or hair care.
- Anti-Spill Packaging: Convenient and mess-free for daily use.
Choosing Jivo Groundnut Oil means picking one of the best groundnut oils in India for both health and taste.
Conclusion
So, does groundnut oil boost brain health? It can play a supporting role thanks to its healthy fats and vitamin E, which protect brain cells and improve blood flow. However, it’s not a superstar for brain health compared to oils like flaxseed or fish oil, which are rich in omega-3s. Still, groundnut oil is a fantastic choice for overall health, especially when you choose a healthy groundnut oil like Jivo Cold-Pressed Groundnut Oil. Its versatility, nutty flavour, and heart-healthy properties make it one of the best cooking oils in India for everyday cooking.