Hey there! Let's dive into the world of palm oil.
Palm Oil: Is Its Consumption Harmful or Beneficial for Health?
Palm oil is extracted from the fruit of the oil palm tree, and it's famous for its high fat content. Some folks have raised concerns about its impact on cholesterol levels and cardiovascular disease (CVD), but the scientific community is still debating this topic.
Palm oil comes in two flavors: red and white. The refinement process strips white palm oil of micronutrients like beta carotenes and vitamin E, making red palm oil the healthier option, according to researchers.
So, is palm oil bad for your health? Worry not, folks! A 2020 review suggests that consuming palm oil in moderation as part of a balanced diet doesn't seem to pose any known health risks.
You might've heard that palm oil's saturated fat content could be harmful. Well, a 13.6-gram tablespoon of palm oil contains 13.6 grams of fat, including 6.7 grams saturated fat. And, as you might know, saturated fats can increase cholesterol levels, which could hike up the risk of heart disease.
However, research into the effects of palm oil on blood cholesterol levels is quite intriguing. A 2021 review found that the saturated fat in palm oil and other vegetable sources has less impact on blood cholesterol levels compared to the same fat from animal sources. This review also highlighted that a chemical compound in palm oil called tocotrienols can help lower blood cholesterol levels by 7% to 38%.
On the other hand, an earlier review found no solid evidence supporting a link between palm oil consumption and CVD. However, the researchers called for more research in this area due to difficulties in quantifying the true association between the two variables.
Now, you might be wondering if palm oil has any health benefits. A 2021 review reveals that red palm oil contains a higher concentration of antioxidants and micronutrients, such as carotenoids, tocopherols, tocotrienols, plant sterols, phospholipids, and squalene. These nutrients offer various health advantages, including Cholesterol-lowering properties, vitamin A synthesis support, benefits for cell structure and function, and great skin benefits.
Interested in more nutritional details? One tablespoon of palm oil provides about 120 calories, 503 kilojoules, 13.6 grams of fat (6.7 grams saturated, 5.03 grams monounsaturated, 1.26 grams polyunsaturated), 2.16 milligrams of vitamin E, and 1.09 micrograms of vitamin K, according to data from the USDA.
But wait, there's more to palm oil than just its effects on your health! The palm oil industry has been linked to large-scale deforestation, destructing habitats for critically endangered species, and contributing to climate change. That's why it's crucial to make ethical choices when buying palm oil and palm oil products.
If you're looking for sustainable options, check for the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification. This global certification means the growers and manufacturers have adhered to robust environmental and human rights policies.
When it comes to palm oil, always remember: A little knowledge goes a long way! Stay informed, and make smart choices for your health and the environment. And, as always, consult with a healthcare professional if you have any doubts. That's all, folks! Stay curious, and keep learning!
Fun Fact(s):
- Palm oil is often mistakenly thought to be a seed oil, but it's actually derived from the fruit of the oil palm tree.
- Palm oil is not the same as palm kernel oil – the latter comes from the kernel or “stone” inside the fruit.
- Nutrition and health-and-wellness experts continue debating the impact of palm oil on cardiovascular disease (CVD), despite the scientific community's concerns over its high saturated fat content.
- The chemical compound in palm oil called tocotrienols may help lower blood cholesterol levels by 7% to 38%, according to a 2021 review.
- Chronic medical-conditions, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), benefits from therapies-and-treatments that focus on diet and nutrition, including the use of CBD in some cases, as per the latest environmental-science research.
- The refinement process of palm oil strips it of essential nutrients like micronutrients such as beta carotenes and vitamin E, making red palm oil the healthier option.
- Climate-change – a global issue affecting our planet – can often impact the longevity and growth of crops like palm, leading to fluctuations in supply for the palm oil industry.
- When considering fitness-and-exercise routines, it's important to focus on a well-rounded diet rich in various nutrients, including those found in palm oil, like tocotrienols, which are known to have a positive effect on cholesterol levels.
- The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification encourages palm oil growers and manufacturers to adhere to sustainable practices, helping minimize the environmental impact of the palm oil industry.
- Palm oil isn't just part of a balanced diet; it also plays a vital role in various consumer goods, such as cosmetics and cleaning products, as well as biodiesel, contributing to overall environmental-science advancements.
