What is palm oil?

The oil palm is a very productive tree — it grows in a tropical climate and its fruits produce the most universal vegetable oil in the world. The main type of saturated fat found in palm oil is palmitic acid. The reddish-orange color of a quality unrefined product is provided by carotenoids, which are converted into vitamin A in the body. Palm oil is rich in vitamin E.

Why is it used?

The main reason for the widespread use of palm oil is because it is economic. Palm oil is much cheaper than vegetable oil and butter oil. The second reason is its versatility. Palm oil provides the foaming action in almost every shampoo, liquid soap, or detergent. It is increasingly being used as a cheap raw material for biofuels. It is great for frying and blends well with other oils, making it a popular ingredient in store-baked goods. Palm oil is resistant to oxidation, which helps extend shelf life, so it is used as a preservative in processed foods.

What foods have palm oil in them?

It is used in the production of bread, chips, nuts, cakes, chocolate, ice cream, cookies, dairy products, various spreads, and even baby food. However, the ingredients on a package do not always include the words “palm oil”. It can appear under 200 different names including vegetable fat, palm kernel oil, palmitate, palmitic alcohol, and more.

What is the real harm?

Scientists have found that palm oil components can increase the risk of cancer with certain exposures. Heating the oil causes glycidyl fatty acid esters to form. These break down and release glycidol, a substance known to be carcinogenic. Also, consuming oil that has been heated repeatedly can cause plaque buildup in the arteries.

Are there any benefits?

Studies show that palm oil itself helps normal polyunsaturated fatty acids metabolism, slows dementia, and reduces the risk of stroke and heart disease. It also makes up for vitamin A deficiencies. In addition, palm oil is less caloric than butter.

Are blends that include palm oil ok?

Manufacturers of baby formula and porridge, in an attempt to recreate the palmitic acid of breast milk, add palm oil to it. However, the structure of palmitic acid and palm oil in the formula is different. When palmitic acid is not absorbed by the body, it reacts with calcium and makes it insoluble. This can lead to a lack of calcium, which is necessary for the full development of the baby.

Conclusion

Palm oil alone is not dangerous to health. However, it is most often included in products that are not healthy, like ones that have a lot of sugar, preservatives, and calories. In addition, it has fewer vitamins and trace elements than other vegetable oils or butter. Therefore, try to limit the products you consume that have palm oil in them.

12 November 2021