Health Benefits of Palm Oil

Palm oil is an extremely useful vegetable oil that is derived from various types of oil palms. The main varieties that are used in the production of palm oil are African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) and American oil palm (Elaeis oleifera). Palm oil is naturally a reddish-orange color because it has a very high beta-carotene content. It is also one of the very few naturally saturated vegetable fats, which means that it is often used to increase the LDL cholesterol in a person’s body, which helps to prevent cardiovascular disease.

Palm oil is commonly used as a cooking oil in Africa, Southeast Asia, and certain countries in South America. It has become more popular in other parts of the world in recent years because of the health concerns of having too many trans fats in the diet. For people who have too much bad cholesterol in their body (LDL cholesterol), switching to using palm oil is a very good health choice.

Here are some health benefits of palm oil.

1. Cardiovascular.

Palm oil has a high content of HDL and LDL cholesterol, but even though one is good (HDL) and the other is bad (LDL), it can still create a healthier balance in your body. High levels of LDL cholesterol can increase your chances of atherosclerosis, which can cause strokes and heart attacks. By maintaining a healthy balance of cholesterol (both of which you need in your body), you can ensure a healthier cardiovascular system.

2. Energy Levels

Beta-carotene is one of the prime components of palm oil, which is why it has an orange-red color. Beta-carotene is very good for improving energy levels and boosting hormonal balance in the body.

3. Prevents Cancer

Tocopherols, which are types of vitamin A, are natural antioxidants. Antioxidants are powerful defensive compounds that can prevent cancer by neutralizing free radicals. Free radicals cause healthy cells to mutate into cancerous cells, so high levels of tocopherol and palm oil are necessary.

To be continued.