Palm oil – is it healthy? properties, uses and harmful effects of palm oil

Palm oil, often present in many food products and cosmetics, raises many controversies and questions about its impact on health. In this article, we will take a closer look at this oil, its properties, uses and potential harmfulness. Is palm oil healthy or should it be avoided?

Palm oil – what is it?

Palm oil, derived from the fruit of the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), is one of the most popular vegetable oils in the world. It is an oil obtained from the pulp and seeds of this palm tree. Palm oil is widely used in both the food and cosmetic industries due to its properties and low price.

Palm oil and other vegetable oils

Compared to other vegetable oils, palm oil has a higher content of saturated fatty acids. It is this feature that may be of concern because excess saturated fatty acids in the diet can contribute to higher cholesterol levels and an increased risk of heart disease.

Palm oil – properties and uses

Palm oil is durable and resistant to oxidation, which makes it often used as an ingredient in food products. It also has a neutral taste and smell, which makes it suitable for many dishes. It is used in the production of margarine, cakes, cookies, and as an ingredient in many processed foods such as fast food.

Types of palm oil: hydrogenated, unhydrogenated

It is worth noting that there are different types of palm oil. Hydrogenated palm oil, also known as trans palm oil, is more harmful to health due to its high content of trans fats, which are associated with the risk of heart disease and obesity. Unhydrogenated palm oil, which is naturally in a liquid state, is less harmful, but still contains a large amount of saturated fatty acids.

Palm oil in products

Palm oil is widely used in the production of many food products. We can find it in chips, crackers, chocolate, as well as in some types of margarines and spreads. Therefore, it is worth checking product labels and consciously choosing products that do not contain this oil or contain it in minimal amounts.

Palm oil in children’s products

One of the controversial aspects of the use of palm oil is its presence in products intended for children, such as formula or infant snacks. Some health organizations have expressed concerns about the long-term effects of palm oil consumption by children, especially in terms of cardiovascular development.

Palm oil – is it healthy?

The answer to this question is not clear. On the one hand, palm oil is used in the food industry due to its technical properties. On the other hand, due to its high content of saturated fatty acids and potential health effects, some experts recommend limiting its consumption.

Your suggestions

It is worth considering your own eating habits and consciously choosing food products that are healthier and do not contain excessive amounts of palm oil. We can also experiment with alternative vegetable oils, such as rapeseed oil, olive oil or coconut oil, which are richer in unsaturated fatty acids and beneficial to health.

Recommended articles

If you are interested in the topic of healthy eating and the impact of various oils on the body, we recommend reading articles on this topic available in the scientific literature and consulting a dietitian or doctor to get personalized advice on diet and the choice of vegetable oils.

It is worth remembering that a healthy diet is the key to a healthy lifestyle, so it is worth consciously taking care of what we eat and choosing products that will benefit our health.