About Palm Oil
Palm oil is a controversial product. Proponents of the product tout its health benefits, claiming that it is packed with nutrients and rich in antioxidants. On the other side of the argument, health benefits and its overall ecological impact are in question.
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The Facts
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Palm oil is derived from the flesh of the fruit of the oil palm species E. Guineensis. In its virgin form, the oil is bright orange-red due to the high content of carotene. Since it is approximately 50 percent saturated, palm oil remains semi-solid at room temperature. It also resists oxidation and high heat levels, making it popular for use in frying foods. Many prepared foods and mixes are made with palm oil--baby formula, doughnuts, potato chips, crackers, baked goods and breakfast bars.
Pros
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According to the American Palm Oil Council (APOC), this trans-fat free oil has been consumed for thousands of years and is widely considered to be "nature's gift" to the world since it is packed with antioxidants and can help to increase HDL ("good") cholesterol levels. Different from palm kernel oil or coconut oil, palm oil contains less saturated fat and no trans-fatty acids, which have been linked to increased risk of cancer, heart disease, obesity and arterial blockage. The group supports palm oil's health benefits like lower risk of blood clotting, cancer prevention and improved cholesterol levels. The APOC supports Malaysia's sustainable practices and pointa out that the country established a Palm Oil Wildlife Conservation Fund in an effort to minimize the negative impact of palm oil cultivation.
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Positive Research Results
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A 2006 study on rats at Alabama A&M University links red palm oil to potentially having positive effects in reducing colon cancer. A separate 2006 study at Case Western Reserve University showed that palm oil's derivative, TCF (tocotrienol-rich fraction) may be promising in the prevention and as part of a treatment plan for prostate cancer. Finally, a 2004 study by the Malaysian Palm Board yielded promising results indicating that TCF could inhibit the growth and spread of breast cancer cells.
Cons
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In "Cruel Oil" written by Ellie Brown, Ph.D., and Michael F. Jacobson, Ph.D., questions about palm oil's health benefits and harvesting standards are raised. The report cites biomedical research as having indicated that the high saturated fat content of palm oil is linked to increased risk of heart disease as compared to other oils like olive or canola. Additionally, 83 percent of the global supply of palm oil is grown in Malaysia and Indonesia, where large areas of rainforest are being destroyed. The ecological impact (loss of rainforest and the subsequent impact on wildlife) has brought the product's sustainability into question.
Negative Research Results
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A 2006 study at the Cardiovascular Nutrition Laboratory in Boston, Massachusetts examined the use of palm oil as a substitute for partially hydrogenated oils. The results indicated that palm oil, like partially hydrogenated oils, resulted in higher LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels than soybean or canola oils without significantly impacting HDL ("good") cholesterol levels.
Other Uses of Palm Oil
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Palm oil is predominantly used in food, either as an ingredient or as part of the preparation. Approximately 20 percent of palm oil usage is devoted to non-food items like body oil, soaps, plastics, skin care products, candles, cleaning products and biodiesel.
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