Palm oil is found in many products. Its texture is smooth and creamy, and it’s a healthier option for trans fats, which is why the use of palm oil has increased dramatically over the past few decades. Unfortunately, the environment suffers. Choosing palm oil is not a positive option. On Palm Oil Day, celebrated annually on February 1, we check out what palm oil is and how it can be labeled differently on the package.
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While palm oil is a good alternative to trans fats for the human body, the impact of palm oil on the environment and the people directly and indirectly involved in its creation is harmful. Here is an overview of some of the problems with palm oil.
The palm fruit contains two types of oil. The fruit oil comes from the flesh of the mesocarp, the peach-colored layer just below the skin. The grain inside contains what is called palm kernel oil. According to the NIH review on palm oil and its effects on the heart, mesocarp oil is lower in saturated fat and contains vitamin E and the antioxidant beta-carotene.
Palm kernel oil contains more saturated fat and is the oil used in baking and some beauty products because the higher amount of saturated fat allows it to remain stable at higher temperatures and gives it longer shelf life. longer.
