Palm Oil Myths

Palm oil derives from the oil palm plant fruit clusters hailing from Africa, South America, Latin America and Asia. Palm oil is widely used in cooking and has nutritional benefits. However, palm oil myths have fueled countering claims about its beneficial properties.

Palm Oil Benefits

• Palm oil is known to have positive health benefits despite palm oil myths; it is rich in vitamin A for vision health and vitamin E to protect against cancers. Its fats also fight against cholesterol.

Heart Disease

• One palm oil myth is that it contributes to heart disease and cholesterol. Advocates state that palm oil contains HDL (high-density lipoprotein), a beneficial fat, and also has no trans fat and fewer saturated fats than other oils.

Deforestation

• The palm oil industry has been cited by its opponents for harming the environment by tapping into the world's rain forests. Those in favor of it state this is a palm oil myth and that only 1 percent of Earth's agricultural area is set aside for this business.

Harmful to Wildlife

• With the depletion of rain forests, the palm oil business is attributed to harming wildlife. Supporters say this is another palm oil myth; impact on wildlife is minimal and environmental groups publish negative reports to further their own agendas.

Greenhouse Gases

• Critics of palm oil production state that the harvesting process has caused greenhouse gas emissions. Supporters of the oil confirm this is a palm oil myth, affirming that it is sustainable and will reduce Earth's carbon footprint as an alternative fuel.