Palm oil is an extremely useful vegetable oil that is derived from various types of oil palms. The main varieties that are used in the production of palm oil are African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) and American oil palm (Elaeis oleifera). Palm oil is naturally a reddish-orange color because it has very high beta-carotene content. It is also one of the very few naturally saturated vegetable fats, which means that it is often used to increase the HDL cholesterol in a person’s body, which helps to prevent cardiovascular disease.
Palm oil is commonly used as cooking oil in Africa, Southeast Asia, and certain countries in South America. It has become more popular in other parts of the world in recent years because of the health concerns of having too many transfats in the diet. For people who have too much bad cholesterol in their body (LDL cholesterol), switching to using palm oil is a very good health choice.
Palm oil has the ability to improve energy levels, improve vision, prevents cancer, boosts the immune system, helps to prevent premature aging, protects against heart diseases, and is beneficial for pregnant women.
Furthermore, it’s amazing that this oil provides about 7000 retinol equivalents of carotene per 100g of weight, which is about 17 times the amount of carotene in carrots. Similarly, the abundant tocotrienol (a form of Vitamin E) found in red palm oil is about 40 – 60 times more potent than tocopherol (another form of Vitamin E) in terms of antioxidant properties.
Here are the Health Benefits of Palm Oil
Prevents Cancer
Tocopherols, which are types of vitamin A, are natural antioxidants. Antioxidants, as mentioned above, are powerful defensive compounds that can prevent cancer by neutralizing free radicals. Free radicals cause healthy cells to mutate into cancerous cells, so high levels of tocopherol and palm oil are necessary.
Vision
Beta-carotene is extremely important for improving vision. A great deal of antioxidants can be found in palm oil, which are the powerful defensive mechanisms of the body. They are the beneficial byproducts of cellular metabolism and can protect the body from free radicals. Free radicals are responsible for a lot of cellular breakdown and mutation, including the damage that can cause vision issues. Using palm oil as a replacement for other types of oil can prevent macular degeneration and cataracts.
Cardiovascular Issues
Palm oil has a high content of HDL and LDL cholesterol, but even though one is good (HDL) and the other is bad (LDL), it can still create a healthier balance in your body. High levels of LDL cholesterol can increase your chances of atherosclerosis, which can cause strokes and heart attacks. By maintaining a healthy balance of cholesterol (both of which you need in your body), you can ensure a healthier cardiovascular system.
Pregnant Women
Vitamin deficiencies are some of the most dangerous conditions that can face pregnant women and their unborn children. Vitamin A, D, and E are found in considerable quantities in palm oil, and since the body cannot naturally retain these vitamins, it is necessary to consume them in our diets. Ensuring that pregnant women and their children do not face any vitamin deficiencies is one of the best aspects of adding palm oil to your diet.
Energy Levels
Beta-carotene is one of the prime components of palm oil, which is why it has an orange-red color. Beta-carotene is very good for improving energy levels and boosting hormonal balance in the body.
High in Vitamin E (tocotrienols and tocopherols)
Palm Oil is high in Vitamin E (tocotrienols and tocopherols), which maintains healthy, supple skin. Palm oil’s potent Vitamin E tocotrienols is described as a super-antioxidant that neutralizes disease causing free radicals—it has the highest level of tocotrienols among all vegetable oils.
Natural anti-inflammatory
Red palm oil is a potent natural anti-inflammatory, and as such helps to prevent inflammation in the artery lining. Science has now confirmed that inflammation in the arterial linings is the major cause of cholesterol buildup! Red palm oil naturally improves cholesterol and lowers high blood pressure.
Protects from Degenerative Brain Disease
Neurodegenerative diseases of the brain like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and senile dementia can be kept at bay by making fresh red palm oil a regular part of your diet. It contains powerful antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress and improve blood flow to the brain. Improved circulation to the brain delivers oxygen and glucose which are indispensable for brain functioning. Therefore, individuals with adequate regular intake of red palm oil are less likely to suffer cognitive impairments than others.
