2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Palm oil is extremely widespread throughout the world and its consumption continues to grow. However, there are disputes about its impact on human health.
Some argue that palm oil is useful, but others point to adverse effects on the cardiovascular system. There are also environmental concerns associated with the constant increase in its production.
What is palm oil?
Palm oil is extracted from the fruits of oil palm trees. Unrefined palm oil is sometimes called red because of its reddish-orange color.
The main source of palm oil is a tree called Elaeis guineensis, and it is very common in western and southwestern Africa. A similar oil palm is also found in South America, but is rarely marketed.
Like coconut oil, palm oil is semi-solid at room temperature. It is one of the cheapest and most widely used oils in the world, accounting for 1/3 of the world's vegetable oil production.
It is important to note that palm oil should not be confused with palm kernel oil. Both come from the same plant, but palm kernel oil is extracted from the seed of the fruit. It provides various health benefits.
What is it used for?
Palm oil is used for cooking and is a fairly common additive in the products available on the market. Some people describe its taste as similar to that of a carrot or a pumpkin.
Palm oil it is sometimes added to peanut butter and other nuts as a stabilizer to prevent the oil from separating and settling at the top of the jar.
Palm oil can also be used in other foods, including:
- Cereals;
- Baked goods such as bread, biscuits and rolls;
- Protein bars and diet bars;
- Chocolate;
- Coffee cream;
- Margarine;
Nutritional composition of palm oil
Here is the nutritional content of one tablespoon (14 g) of palm oil:
Calories: 114
Fat: 14 g
Saturated fat: 7 g
Monounsaturated fats: 5 g
Polyunsaturated fat: 1.5 g
Vitamin E: 11% of R&D
Health benefits of palm oil
Palm oil is associated with several health benefits, including the protection of brain function, the reduction of risk factors for heart disease and the content of vitamin A.
- Brain health
Palm oil is an excellent source of tocotrienols - a form of vitamin E with strong antioxidant properties that can support brain health. The oil can also help slow dementia and reduce the risk of stroke;
- Healthy heart
A large analysis of 51 studies found that overall LDL cholesterol levels and levels were lower in people who followed palm oil-rich diets than those who consumed diets high in trans fats or myristic and lauric acid.
- Improved levels of vitamin A in the body
Palm oil can help to improve vitamin A levels in people who are deficient or at risk.
Potential health risks from palm oil
The results of studies that are conducted to establish the influence of palm oil on the human body are contradictory. For example, one such study shows that levels of small, dense LDL (sdLDL) - the type of cholesterol associated with cardiovascular disease - increase with palm oil intake but decrease with other oils. However, a combination of palm oil and rice bran oil reduces sdLDL levels.
Other studies have reported an increase in LDL cholesterol levels due to consumption of palm oil. However, LDL particle sizes were not measured in these studies.
Controversy over palm oil
Indonesia and Malaysia are known to have humid, tropical climates that are extremely conducive to palm oil growing. However, a recent analysis shows that 45% of the land in Southeast Asia currently used for palm oil production was forested in 1990.
There are also reports of human rights violations by corporations for Palm oil, such as the seizure of agricultural land and forests without a permit, the payment of low wages, the provision of hazardous working conditions and a significant reduction in the quality of life.
The Round Table for Sustainable Palm Oil is an organization that strives to make oil production environmentally friendly, culturally sensitive and sustainable.
They give a quality certificate only to manufacturers who adhere to their standards, following certain guidelines.
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Palm oil is an organic product derived from the fleshy part of the oil palm. It has a red-orange color, rich in carotenoids and palmitic acid. Cures at temperatures below 30 ° C. It is characterized by a typical walnut taste and pleasant aroma.
