We have been using Malaysian palm oil in our everyday life in one way or the other. It is considered a superfood.
The most sustainable of all vegetable oils, it has become an integral part of all our lives.
People have always been a bit sceptical about palm oil. Is it right, or is it the worst thing you could ever include in your already miserable lives? It has been one of the most controversial topics since the 80s. You can read here How palm oil is blissful ?
This article highlights some of the myths surrounding palm oil and what it has endured in the Corona Virus (COVID-19). Let’s get on the ride!
Dr. Bhavna Shah busted many myths on palm oil in the webinar conducted on November 28, 2020, and she’ll be breaking a lot more during January 5-7, 2021.
Let’s Dive into Some of the Myths around Palm Oil-
Myth1 : Palm oil contains Cholesterol
This myth is quite famous that Palm oil contains cholesterol, which means it is not suitable for heart patients and increases the risk of a heart attack which is not valid.
Facts: Palm Oil does not have cholesterol; on the contrary, it is very rich in nutrients and lowers the chances of a heart attack.
Myth 2: My Palm oil contains Trans fat !
Another myth about Palm oil is that they have a lot of trans fat, thus leading to cancer, diabetes, disease related to heart and so on.
Fact: It is believed that Margarine that is made from palm oil has trans fat in it after going through the Hydrogenation Process, which technically cannot be true because Palm Oil naturally a semi-solid substance. Palm oil need not go through a Hydrogenation Process.
Facts : The fact is that Palm oil is vegetable oil and does not contain cholesterol, trans fat or other fatty acids; these are found only in the animal oil. Palm Oil is safe and suitable for health and can be consumed. There is no risk of any Coronary heart disease.
Myth 3: Palm oil is used only in Cooking
Have you ever heard that Palm oil could only be used while cooking? Well, if you have then what if I tell you that it’s not true?
Fact: So, here a thing Palm Oil is very versatile. Not only in the food industries but also in many other industries palm oil is useful. Palm oil is efficiently used in inedible products such as biodiesel, soap, shampoo, candles, cosmetics and much more. Palm Oil is used as a critical ingredient in many products, and apart from this, it is very environment friendly.
Myth 4: Palm oil need large area for Plantation-
Another myth about palm oil is that it needs a large area for plantation.
Fact: So, it will not hurt planting them over a large extent, but it can be produced in a comparatively as well. Most of the palm oil farms are owned by small-scale family holders. It positively contributes to the economy of the country.
Myth 5: Palm oil contributes to Deforestation-
It is often thought that Palm oil contributes to deforestation, which is not valid.
Facts: It contributes about 2.3%, which is far lesser than that percentage contributed to beef/meat/leather production. Palm oil is very sustainable too. It requires less land, and fewer pesticides, and fewer fertilizers than any other oilseed crop, thus assisting in economic and environmental sustainability.
Myth 6: Palm oil can worsen strokes
Fact: I’m afraid that’s not right. Palm oil helps to reduce chances of stroke by 50% because of the vitamin E called alpha tocotrienol present in it. The vitamin protects your brain’s nerve cells.
Myth : Palm oil is terrible for frying. No, it’s not.
Fact: Palm oil is steady at elevated temperatures with a high smoke point of 235 Celsius; hence, and it is ideal for baking and frying.
In Summing-up
It’s the responsibility of the media to check their facts before propagating the same to the masses. The aware the public will be, the more beneficial it will be for them. The deeper they dig, the more the facts will find their way out of the rabbit hole.
You can get more information from MPOC website
You have cleared so much misinformation about palm oil. I’m surely going to use palm oil from now and will also recommend it to friends.
Thank you for bringing forth a perspective that can change one’s view on the product, the media tends to pick sides and ends up demonizing items and posts like these help not demonize the product
I didn’t know these about palm oil. Thanks for sharing these pointers.
Palm oil is capable of being safely substituted for olive oil with the same heart health benefits. Great thoughts.
I never knew Palm oil can be used for cooking purpose too. this post is truly information and bursts many myths around it.
The webinar was good & has removed so many myths related to palm oil.
You have dispelled the myth in this post nicely.
Wow palm oil is such a good source of antioxidants. That was very helpful read
Now everyone is focused on ingredients. It’s nice to have ourselves educated with right knowledge and facts. I feel palm and palm oil are slowly making way into commercial food space
Palm oil has so many myths running around fetching it’s I’ll health formation. However, your post just brings the truth about that palm oil out.
This post clear many doubts about palm oil. Never know that palm oil has so many health benefits
Palm oil has definitely got a bad repo because of all the negative advertising! I am glad you shared the facts with us!
You have change my views on Palm oil . There’s so much to flaunt about this topic to all my hotel friends . I am saving this blog . Thank you .
It’s good that you have busted so many myths. But I generally feel frying in any oil is not good. The food loses its nutritional value when it’s soaked and fried in any oil.
Yes there are so many doubts raised to using palm oil but your post did burst many of my inhibitions for using this oil in cooking.
Palm has many health benefits. Your post is definitely worth the read too give information on the palm oil and it’s benefits.
I had heard of so many things about using palm oil but now after reading this i guess all these are myths… Thanks for bursting the bubble.
You have addressed a lot of misconceptions about the usage of Palm Oil including me. Palm oil looks like a good option.
I was always of the opinion that palm oil is not good for health and also discounted use of some food items for the same reason but after reading this blog, I have got my doubts cleared.
Yes I used to think that palm oil increase cholesterol and not good for our health. Thanks for sharing this post. It has busted many common myths associated with palm oil.