Palm oil Health Benefits, Properties, and Uses

Palm oil is the oil extract from two different types of palm fruits. The first fruit is the Elaeis guineensis, which is native to Africa. The second palm fruit that palm oil is derived from is the Elaeis oleifera, which is native to South America.¹

For hundreds of years, palm oil has been a traditional dietary staple for the people in these regions. Today, palm oil, also known as red palm oil, is a popular cooking oil often compared to coconut oil. When shopping for palm oil, be sure to look for a product that still contains its red color. Colorless palm oil has been processed and no longer offers nutritional value.^1,2

Palm Oil Health Uses and Health Benefits

Palm oil mostly contains saturated fats and monounsaturated fats. It’s also high in beta-carotene and lycopene, which are what gives palm oil its red color. Palm oil is also high in vitamin E and antioxidants that offer protection against chronic disease. The antioxidants found in palm oil specifically target free radicals that cause damage to nerve and brain tissues.¹

Palm oil uses include combatting and preventing cognitive diseases such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Palm oil uses also include prevention of macular degeneration and cataracts.^1,2

Palm oil benefits have shown to help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation levels. This offers a possible preventative treatment for cancer and heart disease, which are both deadly conditions associated with chronic inflammation and high oxidative stress levels. ²

Other palm oil benefits include:

• Boosting blood flow
• Lowering bad cholesterol levels
• Lowering blood pressure levels
• Improving blood clotting

References

1. http://articles.mercola.com/herbal-oils/palm-oil.aspx
2. https://draxe.com/benefits-of-palm-oil/