Palm Kernel Oil Nutrition

While some oils offer tremendous nutritional benefits, other types can pose health risks and are best avoided. In general, unprocessed vegetable oils provide the most nutritional benefit; however, tropical oils such as palm kernel oil do not contain the same nutritional advantages as other vegetable oils.

Source

• Palm kernel oil is extracted from the pit of the oil palm tree and is commonly used for making margarine, confections, cosmetics, processed foods and other consumer goods. It should not be confused with palm oil, which is extracted from the fruit of the oil palm tree and is nutritionally, physically and chemically different.

Nutritional Content

• Palm kernel oil contains almost no vitamins or minerals---just .5 milligrams of vitamin E and 3.3 micrograms of vitamin K per tablespoon. It contains zero grams of protein, fiber and sodium. Compared to other vegetable oils, palm kernel oil contains few antioxidants, which promote heart health and protect against cancer.

Calories

• The caloric value of palm kernel oil is on par with other commonly used oils such as olive, canola and peanut oil. One tablespoon contains about 120 calories.

Fat and Cholesterol

• Although palm kernel oil contains no cholesterol, it is extremely high in artery-clogging saturated fat. One tablespoon contains 14 grams of fat, 11 of which are saturated. For this reason, the American Heart Association recommends that tropical oils such as palm kernel oil be avoided or eaten only in moderation.

Chemical Processing

• A hydrocarbon solvent similar to gasoline may be used to extract palm kernel oil. People who wish to avoid foods processed with chemicals should choose oils extracted with mechanical processes such as expeller pressing or cold pressing.