Just be mindful of the source.
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Palm oil is found almost everywhere.
What Is Palm Oil?
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As the name implies, palm oil comes from the fruit of the oil palm.
The oil from the palm plant is deep red-orange and has a distinct taste and smell.
This minimally processed product may be labeled as unrefined palm oil orred palm oil.
It can be further processed into a colorless, odorless product and labeled as refined palm oil.
Uses
Palm oil is used primarily in culinary applications.
Half of its fatty acids are saturated, with the other half being a combination of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated.
Due to the saturated fat content, palm oil is semisolid at room temperature.
This means that palm oil can be safely consumed as part of a well-balanced diet.
Just because palm oil contains saturated fat doesnt mean it must be avoided entirely.
Products with certifications from organizations such as theRoundtable on Sustainable Palm Oilassist consumers in making the best choice possible.
The Bottom Line
Palm oil has a variety of uses globally, both culinary and non-culinary.
2022;8(10):e11041.8(10).
2022;156:111175. doi:10.1016/j.foodres.2022.111175
U.S. Department of Agriculture.
FoodData Central.Unrefined red palm oil.
