What use does oil have?

Answer 1

Like olive oil, peanut oil is predominantly a monounsaturated fat, meaning it doesn't contribute significantly to the production of "bad cholesterol" while, at the same time, it does contribute to the production of "good cholesterol". So, one reason to use peanut oil (in moderation), is for heart health.

Another reason to use peanut oil is that it has a much higher smoke point than olive oil, meaning it can take higher temperatures before it begins to smoke.

Peanut oil also has a pleasant taste, and it can be used in salad dressings, mayonnaise and oil-based dips. In fact, it's quite often used in Thai cuisine for it's unique flavor.

Finally, outside of cooking, some women apply peanut oil to their face, boasting that it gives them a soft, beautiful complexion (similarly, in some regions of Italy, women apply olive oil for the same reason).