Palm oil it's a type of vegetable oil that comes from the oil palm tree.
On the one hand, Unrefined palm oil (red palm oil) is rich in certain nutrients, including vitamin E tocotrienols and beta-carotene (pro-vitamin A), which are powerful antioxidants. Also, in its natural state, palm oil is free of trans fats, which are known to be harmful to heart health when consumed in excess.
On the other hand, Palm oil is high in saturated fats (about 50% of its composition), which have been linked to increased levels of LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol) in some studies. High LDL cholesterol levels are a risk factor for heart disease. However, the impact of saturated fat on heart health is a complex topic, and recent research suggests the relationship may not be as straightforward as previously thought.
Additionally, highly processed palm oils, which are more common in processed foods, may lack the beneficial nutrients found in unrefined red palm oil.
Dietary Balance: Eating different types of fats is important for staying healthy. It’s better to eat a mix of good foods like fruits, veggies, and proteins, rather than just focusing on one kind of oil.
Moderation: It’s okay to eat palm oil, but you don’t want to eat too much of it. Like with anything, having just the right amount is best.
The concerns associated with palm oil and heart health come from dietary intake.
Palm oil can be part of a healthy diet if consumed in moderation. However, due to its high saturated fat content, individuals with specific health concerns, especially those related to heart disease, should consider their total intake of saturated fats, including palm oil.
However, if palm oil is used as skin cream to be applied topically, it has a minimal effect on the systemic health.
Given the environmental issues associated with palm oil production, using sustainable and ethically sourced palm oil can also be considered as part of responsible consumption.