What is red palm oil?
Red palm oil is a type of oil that is extracted from the fruits of the Elaeis guineensis tree (oil palm tree). It is different from the normal palm oil in many ways that it not only can be used in the food industry but also can be used for beauty purposes, production of pharmaceuticals and even soap. Red palm oil is rich in nutrients when compared to normal palm oil. It is high in antioxidants and healthy fats that have beneficial effects to the body functions.
You might wonder what makes red palm oil distinct from other types of oil. HARVIST Red palm oil has undergone a Low Temperature Purification Method which allows it to preserve most of the essential nutrients, especially those antioxidants that are sensitive to heat. In terms of the taste, red palm oil also has a unique taste and aroma. Unlike other types of oil with a common yellowish color, red palm oil has a very distinct red color. This is due to the high carotene content in the oil which makes it red in color.
Red palm oil not only can be used as salad dressing, but it also can be used for high temperature cooking such as deep frying and baking. Red palm oil has a high smoke point of 235°C as compared to other types of oils such as olive oil (190-200°C), canola oil (200°C) and coconut oil (177°C).
Nutritional profile and the health benefits of the oil
Antioxidants
Red palm oil is abundant with large amounts of antioxidants including carotenoids and tocotrienols. These antioxidants pose various health benefits to the body to improve the overall health.
It contains not only carotenoids and vitamin E, but also squalene, co-enzyme Q10 and Phytosterol.
Vitamin A Carotenoids
Improve visions and protect your eyes from night blindness.
Supports a healthy immune system.
Vitamin E Tocotrienols
Reduces oxidative stress that contributes to formation of gastric lesions.
Neuroprotective Properties.
Helps to reduce progression of white matter lesion.
Co-enzyme Q10
Slows aging, neutralizes free radicals, and may reduce fatigue and muscle weakness.
As a safeguards brain cells from oxidative damage and provides cellular energy for their optimal function.
Squalene
Helps maintain skin hydration.
Helps protect cells from oxidative damage, which is linked to aging and some diseases.
Have anti-inflammatory effects, potentially beneficial in treating conditions like acne or eczema.
Phytosterols
Able to lower LDL cholesterol, phytosterols may help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Helps reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, contributing to the prevention of chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes.
Carotenoids are precursors of vitamin A, consuming red palm oil can help in preventing and improving vitamin A deficiency as vitamin A deficiency is related to vision impairment. Having sufficient vitamin A intake can ensure a healthy vision.
Tocotrienols are a form of vitamin E which can help in protecting the brain from oxidative stress and nerve cell damage, at the same time promote cognitive function.
Other than that, the main function of antioxidants is to reduce the body inflammation and prevent cell damage. By consuming this red palm oil is able to boost our immune system for better health.
Healthy fats
Red palm oil is good for body health not only because of the high antioxidant content, but also due to the high level of healthy fats inside the oil. Monounsaturated fats (MUFA) are a type of healthy fat which can help in improving the overall health and cholesterol level of the body and make up to 40% of the red palm oil and another 10% is PUFA
.
MUFA has significant effects in lowering the cholesterol level, typically the bad cholesterol – LDL cholesterol in the blood.
The high antioxidants in the oil have protective effects to the heart whereby it protects the heart from cell damage and reduces inflammation.
Studies have found that consuming red palm oil has a significant positive effect in reducing the buildup of cholesterol at the blood vessels. The buildup of cholesterol can lead to undesirable issues such as heart attack or atherosclerosis. Regular intake of red palm oil may help to reverse the effects of atherosclerosis and provide protective benefits for the heart.
Notes:
The consumption of red palm oil has grown increasingly popular in recent years. Incorporating it into our daily meals can provide numerous health benefits. However, it is essential to determine the appropriate amount to consume, as excessive intake may have adverse effects on health.
For guidance on incorporating red palm oil into your diet, consult our nutrition experts or dietitians to better understand how to use it effectively. Healthy eating begins with informed choices—start today for a healthier and better you.
To learn more about red palm oil, visit Harvist Red Palm Oil for detailed information.
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References
1. Tan, C.H. et al., 2021. Red palm Oil: A review on processing, health benefits and its application in food, Journal of Oleo Science, 70(9) [online], pp. 1201–1210. https://doi.org/10.5650/jos.ess21108.
2. Loganathan, R. et al., 2017. Health-promoting effects of red palm oil: evidence from animal and human studies, Nutrition Reviews, 75(2) [online], pp. 98–113. https://doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuw054.
3. Oguntibeju, O.O., Esterhuyse, A.J. and Truter, E.J., 2009. Red palm oil: nutritional, physiological and therapeutic roles in improving human wellbeing and quality of life, British Journal of Biomedical Science, 66(4) [online], pp. 216–222. https://doi.org/10.1080/09674845.2009.11730279.
4. MUFAs: Why should my diet include these fats? – Augusta Health (2022). Available at: <https://www.augustahealth.com/answer/mufas-why-should-my-diet-include-these-fats/.> [Accessed: 3 December 2024]
