Advantages of Palm Oil

With all the hype about lowering the consumption of trans fats, many food production companies in the usa are turning to palm oil as an alternative. Palm oil is created from the palm fruit and contains no trans fat. Additionally, it prolongs the shelf-life of many products. Palm oil usually appears in margarine, baked goods and candy but can also be used in other ways.

It is attractive to commercial food producers because it is less expensive than other oils, has no trans fat and it is naturally cholesterol free. However, palm oil does contain a higher level of saturated fat, so there is a few controversy regarding whether it is a healthy choice.


Fatty Acids

One of the biggest benefits of palm oil is it does not have to be "hydrogenated" to be used like a binding fat. Hydrogenated oil means that the oil continues to be hardened by chemicals being solid. This is the process that creates trans essential fatty acids. These trans-fats can be bad for the center and other organs. The body will naturally absorb the essential fatty acids in palm oil. Palm oil naturally exists in a semi-solid state, therefore it is a healthier option. Many products are now using palm oil in place of hydrogenated oils; consumers can find these details on product labels.


Health Benefits

The benefits of pure palm oil, which will come from the fleshy portion of the fruit in the Elaeis Guineensis tree, are many. It provides a supply of dietary energy, is easily digested and it is an essential fatty acid. It's cholesterol-free and full of carotenoids, which are a precursor of Vitamin A. It is also rich in Vitamin E, a natural antioxidant that may protect against free radicals.

Cooking Benefits

Palm oil is used commonly in cooking all over the world. It's readily available, inexpensive and neutral in flavor, which makes 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 need "hard or solid" fat, such as pastries, cookies or crackers. It is also tasteless, so it's good to use as basics oil for sauteing or frying food.