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The Advantages of Palm Oil

A dietary staple for more than 5,000 years, palm oil is made from the West African
Elaeis Guineensis tree, also called the "oil palm." Palm oil is a staple included in many products: shortening, margarine, soap and chemicals, among other things. Palm oil has a number of nutritional benefits and when consumed in moderation can improve a handful of common health conditions. It's important to note the difference between palm oil and palm kernel oil: Palm oil is generally much healthier than palm kernel oil, which is high in saturated fats and closer in composition to coconut oil.

  1. Health Benefits

    • The benefits of pure palm oil, which comes from the fleshy portion of the fruit from the Elaeis Guineensis tree, are many, according to the American Palm Oil Council. It provides a source of dietary energy, is easily digested and is an essential fatty acid. It's cholesterol-free and rich in carotenoids, which are a precursor of Vitamin A. It's also rich in Vitamin E, a natural antioxidant that can protect against free radicals.

    Fatty Acids

    • One of the biggest benefits of palm oil is that it does not have to be "hydrogenated" to be used as a binding fat. Hydrogenated oil means that the oil has been hardened by chemicals to become solid. This is the process that creates "trans fatty acids," according to the APOC. These trans-fats can be bad for the heart and other organs. The body will naturally absorb the fatty acids in palm oil. Palm oil naturally exists in a semi-solid state, so it's a healthier option. Many products now use palm oil in place of hydrogenated oils; consumers can find this information on product labels.

    Cooking Benefits

    • Palm oil is used commonly in cooking around the world. It's readily available, inexpensive and neutral in flavor, making it good to use in most types of cooking. Because palm oil is free of harmful trans-fats, it's especially good in dishes that require "hard or solid" fat, according to the APOC, such as pastries, cookies or crackers. It's also tasteless, so it's good to use as a base oil for sauteing or frying food. People who eat food prepared with palm oil may benefit from it: Animal studies published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition have shown the oil may reduce carotid artery blockages and reduce the risk of heart disease, among other health benefits. Palm oil also helps with cholesterol: It increases the HDL, or "good" cholesterol.

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