In a typical town, there is such a family: Uncle Wang's family has three generations, and their dining table is always indispensable for a bottle of golden and fragrant earth-pressed peanut oil. Uncle Wang often said that this oil is their family's traditional choice, natural, primitive and full of local flavor. They firmly believe that this traditional method of clay pressing retains all the best of the peanuts and is the healthiest option.
But recently, the peace of the family has been shattered. Uncle Wang found that his liver function indicators were abnormal during a routine physical examination. After asking about Xi diet, the doctor asked a shocking question: "Is the kind of earth-pressed peanut oil you have been eating for a long time really safe?"
This problem is like a seed that takes root and sprouts in the family. Suddenly, they realize that long-term Xi may not be as healthy as they thought. This is not only a problem for Uncle Wang's family, but also a problem faced by many families like them who rely on traditional cooking oil.
Clay pressing and refining: the two sides of peanut oil
Peanut oil, a common cooking oil, is made from peanut seeds and is widely used in cooking. Its main components are fats, including saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Among them, the high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids makes peanut oil considered one of the healthier cooking oil options.
Features of earth-pressed peanut oil
The so-called "earth-pressed peanut oil" refers to peanut oil that is extracted by traditional pressing methods. The biggest feature of this method is that it retains more of the original peanut flavor and nutrients. In contrast, earth-pressed peanut oil is closer to raw peanuts in color and taste, has higher nutritional value, and contains natural antioxidants unique to peanuts, such as vitamin E and plant sterols. However, this traditional method can also lead to more impurities and free fatty acids remaining in the oil.
The production process of refined peanut oil
Unlike earth-pressed peanut oil, refined peanut oil undergoes a modern treatment process that includes steps such as deodorization, decolorization, and filtration. This series of refining processes is designed to remove impurities from the oil, improve the stability of the oil and extend its shelf life. Although the refining process can effectively reduce harmful substances in oils and fats, such as aflatoxin, it may also remove some of the natural nutrients and peanut flavor.
Comparison of nutrients
There are differences in the nutrient content between earth-pressed and refined peanut oil. Clay pressed oils may be higher in certain nutrients, such as vitamin E, because they retain more of their natural ingredients. But at the same time, unfiltered impurities can have a negative impact on physical health. Although refined oil loses some of its nutrients during processing, it is more pure, making it a more reliable choice for consumers looking for food safety.
Be vigilant against the health hazards behind earth-pressed peanut oil
Earth-pressed peanut oil is often hailed as a purer and more natural choice for cooking oils. However, this traditional method of oil production hides potential health risks, especially the effects on the liver.
Potential hazards in the soil pressing process:
Earth-pressed peanut oil is usually made less chemically or at high temperatures, which may allow the oil to retain the natural substance of the peanut itself. While this retains some nutrients, it can also bring with it some unhealthy factors. For example, aflatoxin, a potential carcinogen found naturally in peanuts, can cause liver damage if consumed over time if not adequately removed during the oil-making process.
Free Fatty Acids and Liver Health:
Earth-pressed peanut oil is usually high in free fatty acids. These substances may affect liver function to a certain extent, especially when consumed in large amounts over a long period of time. Free fatty acids can increase the metabolic burden on the liver, and long-term accumulation may lead to fatty liver or other liver diseases.
Research Perspectives:
Some studies have pointed out that long-term consumption of cooking oils high in free fatty acids, such as unrefined earth-pressed oils, may increase the risk of liver disease. While these studies are not yet fully conclusive, they are enough to draw attention to the choice of fats and fats in our daily diet.
The importance of a balanced diet:
In the daily diet, attention should be paid to the diversity and balance of edible oils. One should not rely too much on a single type of oil, whether it is earth-pressed peanut oil or other types of cooking oil. The right mix of fats and fats can not only ensure the comprehensiveness of nutrition, but also reduce the health risks that may be brought by specific oils and fats.