05 Nov 2014 Is Palm Oil Good For You?
I’ve been looking into the issue of palm oil used in many food products in lieu of butter or hydrogenated fats.
The Science:
It turns out not all palm oils are alike!
- High oleic palm oil has a higher portion of oleic acid (the fat found in olive oil). It is more liquid than palm oil but is also considered more stable and is a reasonably good choice.
- Palm fruit oil is a better choice than palm kernel oil. First, it is lower in saturated fat. (Though plant-based saturated fat is thought to differ from animal-based saturated fat, the jury is still out when it comes to incorporating large amounts in the diet). Second, it has higher antioxidant activity from significant content of Vitamin E.
- Palm kernel oil is typically extracted from the pit using a chemical solvent which is fat-soluble and may remain in the palm oil.
- Fractionated palm oil is more saturated than regular palm oil and is not a good choice.
Our Recommendations:
High oleic palm oil and organic, minimally processed palm fruit oil are fine.
Palm kernel oil and fractionated palm oil should be avoided.
Read More:
To learn more please visit our Holistic Wellness Program.
