The Facts Of Peanut Oil

Peanut Oil: The Facts

There is a lot of confusion when it comes to the topic of whether those with a peanut allergy may also have allergic reactions to peanut oil, thereby assuming they have a peanut oil allergy. In response to this question, different experiments have been brought to the table, comparing Unrefined Peanut Oil with Refined Peanut Oil.

In 1997, the British Medical Journal (BMJ) published the first major research on this subject. The results showed that after consuming refined and unrefined peanut oil, 6 of the 60 participants developed an allergic reaction to the crude oil, and none of them were allergic to the refined oil.

In fact, the differences in unrefined and refined oils show in the processing of the oils. We use commonly a mechanical process to extract the oil through multiple steps. For exemple, peanuts are shelled and crushed to extract the oil, which is further refined through a variety of processes that eliminate pigments, aromas or flavors from the oil. This process also makes the peanut oil safe for most people with a peanut allergy as there is little to no peanut protein left after the refining methods.

However, unrefined or crude oils may go through processes that extract oil from seeds or nuts through mechanical pressing or grinding methods that do not use chemical means of expressing nor high heat temperatures. This allows for a more natural aroma and flavor that is most similar to the oil's native nut or seed, and also keeps the nutritional value intact which may include enough protein to potentially trigger an allergic response.

All in all, the general consensus in the allergy research community is that highly-refined peanut oil is safe for the overwhelming majority of people managing peanut allergies.