Is Palm Oil Good For Health? Know The Pros and Cons

Palm oil is a type of vegetable oil derived from the fruit of the oil palm tree, commonly found in many processed foods, cosmetics, and household products. While it is widely used due to its versatility and low cost, palm oil is often considered harmful to health because it is high in saturated fats, which can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease when consumed in excess. It is however, rich in fat soluble vitamins like vitamin A and E and some research has shown that it is beneficial for brain health. 

Here are some important pros and cons of palm oil 

1.  According to NIN (National Institute of Nutrition), palm oil like other edible oils like groundnut oil sesame, olive oil, is rich in monosaturated fatty acids. 

2. "Adding palm oil to the diets of children or during pregnancy in developing countries reduces the chance of having low vitamin A levels", says Dr Pooja Malhotra, Senior Nutritionist from Gurgaon. It also seems to help increase vitamin A levels in those who already have low levels.

3. Palm oil contains a high percentage of saturated fats (around 50%), which can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels when consumed in excess. Elevated LDL cholesterol is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.

4. During the refining process, particularly when palm oil is hydrogenated to make it more stable at room temperature, trans fats can form. Trans fats are linked to numerous health problems, including heart disease, inflammation, and insulin resistance.

5. Some studies suggest that the consumption of palm oil, especially in its oxidised form (common in deep-fried foods and processed snacks), can increase inflammation in the body, which is a contributing factor to various health problems.

6. It's rich in certain antioxidants and may be beneficial for brain health but we need more research to confirm this. It may be better than a few other bad fats but is still not the first choice for consumption because of it being so high in saturated fats. Opting for alternatives with a better health profile, such as olive, coconut, or avocado oil, may be preferable for many people. 

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