Palm oil comes from the fleshy fruit of oil palms. In recent years, oil palm growth has expanded to Southeast Asia, including Malaysia and Indonesia. These two countries currently produce more than 80% of the world’s palm oil supply .
Palm oil is now one of the least expensive and most popular oils worldwide, accounting for one-third of global plant oil production
Palm oil, palm kernel oil they’re high in saturated fat, which has long been linked to heart disease. Saturated fat boosts “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, both of which are risk factors for heart disease. Palm oil, which is 50% saturated fat, has a more favorable fatty acid composition than palm kernel oil and coconut oil, which are more than 85% saturated. In general, the higher the saturated fat content, the more solid a fat is at room temperature. Palm oil is semisolid at room temperature but can be processed into a liquid .
Palm oil contains saturated and unsaturated fats. Some types of palm oil contain vitamin E and beta-carotene. These types of palm oil might have antioxidant effects. Refined palm oil is made by bleaching, deodorizing, and neutralizing crude palm oil.
Palm oil is commonly consumed in foods. But palm oil contains a type of fat that can increase cholesterol levels. So people should avoid eating palm oil in excess. Palm oil is possibly safe when used as a medicine, short-term. Regular intake of palm oil can lead to heart diseases, Risk of weight gain and various inflammatory diseases.
Palm oil is being used extensively these days in food, cosmetics, soap, chocolates etc. Let’s start reading labels and choose products that are free from palm oil, opting instead for those made with healthy, cold-pressed oils.