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What is palm oil made from? Palm oil. Destroyed forest in Indonesia

Quite often, information appears in the media that, to put it mildly, there is no benefit from palm oil, which is now added to many products. Moreover, it causes serious harm to human health. Is it true?

For the manufacture of this type of vegetable oil, the fruits of the oil palm are used. However, compared to sunflower oil, palm oil is made from the soft part of the fruit and not from the seed.

You can meet the species of palm in question in many countries of Africa, Malaysia and Indonesia. Affordable cost has allowed palm oil to become one of the main agricultural commodities in high demand. In addition, this plant can boast of high productivity, when compared with a sunflower, from 1 hectare of palm tree yields almost 10 times more oil.

To date, the general manufacturer is Malaysia, where the sale of palm oil brings capital investment in the country's WFP. While civilized countries are having serious discussions about the merits and demerits of the product in question, for Malaysia, whose population does not exceed half a million people, the manufacture of this product can be called a single opportunity to make money.

Application area

Deodorized and refined oil is used to make some food products, among which are:

  • processed and hard cheeses;
  • butter;
  • margarine;
  • cakes;
  • sweets, croissants;
  • ice cream.

However, this is not the whole list of products in which you can find palm oil. It is also widely used for the manufacture of various cosmetic and hygiene products, due to the fact that this component contributes to excellent foaming.

The nutritional value

If we talk about the composition, according to the saturation of fatty acids, palm oil is absolutely not inferior to olive oil. In addition, advanced technologies carry out easy refining, preserving all useful qualities to the greatest extent. I would like to immediately challenge the fiction that palm fat cannot be properly digested and excreted from the body, while clogging the blood vessels.

Empirically confirmed that high-quality palm kernel oil meets the necessary sanitary standards. Increased concentration beneficial vitamin K contributes to the normalization of the blood formation system. Also, the product has a high content of beta-carotene, which acts as an anti-aging enzyme that neutralizes the formation cancer cells and stimulating metabolism.

Why is palm oil dangerous? It lacks calcium, as well as vitamins A and D. That is why nutritionists recommend saturating the daily menu with products containing these microelements and vitamin and mineral complexes.

If you carefully monitor your own diet, denying yourself the use of high-calorie foods, you should not worry, because there is no palm oil in dairy products with a low percentage of fat content.

In other cases, when going to the store, try to carefully examine the labels of goods. As a rule, the vague phrase “contains vegetable fat” suggests the presence of palm oil in the composition of the product. These ambiguous lines conceal deviations from quality standards and falsification.

It is worth noting that high quality palm oil is a real helper for housewives. The product is not prone to foaming during cooking and is in good contact with the dishes without leaving a greasy residue on them. If you have a desire to try the product in question, try to get "Palm Olein", which is good for salads and cooking various dishes.

Beneficial features

It is important that palm fat can be called the leader in the concentration of important vitamin E. It has been established that the vitamin in question includes substances such as tocopherol and tocotrienols, which are not typical for plants, and just palm fruits are an exception.

This fact provides an opportunity to include palm oil in the list of free radical fighters, which are a key factor in the appearance and development of cancer cells. This fact emphasizes the usefulness of the product.

In addition, the product in question has an anti-aging effect on the skin, making them more elastic and toned. What is the harm here? Thus, the oil is an indispensable tool in the fight against dry skin and the appearance of age-related wrinkles. Another benefit is that palm oil provides fast healing for all sorts of burns and wounds.

About harm

Is palm oil harmful? According to experts, the main harm of palm oil is that it is concentrated in saturated fats. When it comes to other foods, butter is a good example because it is also high in fat.

It has long been proven that excessive consumption of saturated fat contributes to the occurrence of various pathologies. of cardio-vascular system. However, the key is precisely the concept of “excessive”, because in the case of rational use of the product, there is nothing to fear.

On the other hand, much depends on the physical condition of the body, so here the harm of palm oil to human health cannot be specifically assessed.

You can often hear that palm fruit oil must undergo a procedure called hydrogenation. This process makes it possible to produce solid fat from butter. However, palm oil starts to melt at temperatures above room temperature, which makes hydrogenation absolutely pointless in this case.

It is worth noting that exotic palm oil, all the features of which have been carefully studied, has found its application in the food industry, for example, for the production of infant formula.

Thanks to the most advanced technologies used today in various industries, vegetable fat-based formulas are created that are perfectly suited for feeding babies. The main ingredient in baby food is a special whey, which, after processing, loses a certain percentage of proteins and microelements necessary for the health of the baby.

All this leads to the fact that baby food needs to be supplemented with other substances, one of which is palmitic acid.

Can the impact be reduced?

And yet, is it superior negative impact useful qualities of the product, and what is the harm of palm oil to human health? This question is quite natural. Each of us must understand that even a refined product does not pose a huge threat to the human body.

Simply put, the risky is the unlimited consumption of foods that include palm oil. Thus, it is recommended to follow certain rules:

  1. Try to reduce the consumption of sweets, cakes and ice cream.
  2. Carefully examine the labels of goods, under the phrase "vegetable fat" palm fat can be veiled.
  3. An honest manufacturer does not hide the presence of palm oil in its products.
  4. Make your choice in favor of goods manufactured in accordance with GOST, and not the technical regulations, which were created by the manufacturer.
  5. If the product has a fairly long shelf life, it certainly contains palm oil, moreover, in an orderly large dose.
  6. Try to give up fast food and visit trusted stores that inspire confidence in you.

We can say with confidence that the colossal harm of palm oil to the body is greatly exaggerated. In addition, the main problem is the desire of the manufacturer to reduce the cost of production, as well as the lack of a specific schedule and proper control.

According to the statistics of Roskontrol obtained for Last year In an effort to eliminate sanctions and fines, a growing number of manufacturers are prioritizing high quality milk fat surrogates. This fact creates a belief in increasing the usefulness of food.

Undoubtedly, the high quality of manufactured products will improve the health of citizens of the Russian Federation, which will undoubtedly increase life expectancy.

The most ridiculous myths about palm oil

  • Palm oil is not digestible. This myth has been debunked before. There is an opinion that the degrees of melting of the fat in question are much higher than the temperature of the human body. Let's tell you a secret, cheese, lard, etc. will also not melt in the esophagus! For the assimilation of such products, temperature does not matter.
  • Civilized states are categorically against this substance. It's ridiculous to even think that Malaysia and Indonesia manufacture palm oil and then successfully sell it to poor countries in Africa. Why and who would acquire it if it were absolutely useless for civilized states? Logical, isn't it? Let's tell you one more secret: about 10-15% of palm fat is purchased by the United States, which cannot be called a poor country.
  • Palm oil is used in the metallurgical industry and soap making, so its use is strictly prohibited. We will say more, palm oil was widely used to make napalm during the Second World War. However, this fact cannot be considered a basis for accurately saying that it is harmful to health. If you follow this logic, drinking water is also not recommended, because it is used for cooking concrete mixtures, and air is used in pumps, maybe breathing in this case is not worth it? It's quite good example, which demonstrates the lack of a logical explanation for the fiction in question.
  • Palm oil is produced from the trunk. The manufacture of oil involves the use of not the trunk of a palm tree at all, but its fruits.

It is difficult to say by whom and for what purpose these ridiculous myths were invented, however, before believing, any information should be carefully checked from various sources.

Video: why is palm oil dangerous?

And finally...

It is worth noting that in our time the question is: “Is palm oil harmful or beneficial”? is controversial and widely discussed by various circles of society. From all the above information, it is logical to conclude that the product in question can be eaten, since it has important vitamins and minerals.

But, at the same time, you should limit the intake of foods saturated with this substance, since excessive consumption may cause health problems.

Here is a fascinating study on the benefits and harms of palm oil was conducted by us. Thanks to the careful selection of information for the article, as well as its analysis, we have taken the trouble to provide you with the most objective information that allows you to find out why palm oil is harmful.

In addition, I would like to get your opinion on this issue, so we will be grateful to everyone who leaves comments.

Recently popular, palm oil, whose benefits and harms are discussed in the material, is added to many food products. It is cheaper compared to others used in food. Replaces milk fat (animal fat, which is part of dairy products), cocoa butter, due to its lower cost compared to these components. The widespread use of the product is due to the fact that it is cheap to produce (a simple process of collecting fruits and pressing oil), and, accordingly, it is cheap to buy it.

Another characteristic is its high oxidative stability. Products that replace milk fat, for example with palm fat, last longer than their natural counterparts. The index of oxidative stability of the component is 20–30 hours at a temperature of 110 degrees, while that of sunflower fat is 3–6 hours. The higher the index, the longer fermented milk and dairy products can be stored (in which a substitute is used most often). Manufacturers are replacing animal fats with palm fats because it extends the shelf life of the product.

Varieties

In addition to palm oil, palm kernel oil is on sale. If palm is pressed from the soft part of the fruits of the oil palm, then palm kernel is pressed from its seeds. The first product is characterized by a lower content of useful fatty acids than palm kernel oil (up to 50% in the former, while up to 85% in palm kernel oil).

In addition, two types of oils are produced - red and yellow (differences in color appear during the purification stage). The most useful for the body is red, since it retains vitamin A. It is the content of carotenoids (vitamin A) that gives the oil a red tint on early stages spin. If cheap processes of refining and separation of oil into fractions are used (distillation - evaporation of liquid, followed by collection of condensate), then as a result of them, carotenoids are destroyed. The fat refined in this way acquires a yellow or transparent hue. With a long and expensive cleaning process (hydration - treatment with a solution citric acid, neutralization - alkali treatment, bleaching and freezing in special devices, filtration), fat retains its red color and is more useful. Such a product is not refined, but only purified.

In addition, there are deodorized and non-deodorized formulations. The first is treated with hot dry steam in a vacuum at a temperature of about 200 degrees. Almost devoid of taste and smell. Such oil is suitable mainly for frying, because it cannot affect the taste characteristics of the dish. Non-deodorized products are not subjected to such treatment.

In addition, technical and edible oils are distinguished, which differ in the degree of purification (technical oil almost does not undergo purification, which significantly reduces its cost). Technical is used in the production of candles, cosmetics, soap. They also lubricate mechanisms in metallurgy. Edible oil is used for food production.

Compound

Palm kernel oil contains one or two vitamins, depending on how it was obtained. Red oil contains vitamins A and E, yellow - only E. These vitamins are characterized by the following properties:

  • Vitamin E (33.1 mg per 100 g) in red and yellow oils has a powerful antioxidant effect on the body. It strengthens cell walls. As a result, it is more difficult for oxidation products (free radicals) to penetrate through them into the cell cavity. It is after penetration into the cell that free radicals interact with each other, forming insoluble compounds that can increase the likelihood of oncological diseases;
  • Vitamin A (30 mg per 100 g) contains only red palm kernel oil. Enhances the positive effects of vitamin E in the body. It is also an active antioxidant on its own, since conjugated double bonds are present in its chemical structure, which allows it to interact with active radicals, breaking their chains and forming inactive radicals. As a result, the rate of formation of active free radicals in the body decreases. The cell wall is less exposed to their "attack" and free radicals accumulate in it more slowly.

In addition to vitamins, the oil contains the mineral phosphorus in the amount of 2 mg per 100 g. This mineral is present in bone tissue along with calcium. It is also part of tooth enamel. Provides bone density, reduces its porosity and protects against deformation.

Also in the red and yellow formulations contain saturated and unsaturated fatty acids (total content of 58 g). Saturated fatty acids are as follows:

  1. palmitic acid (44.3% of the total fatty acids or 25.694 g) allows you to retain moisture in the body, preventing skin and hair from becoming excessively dry;
  2. stearic acid (4.6% or 2.668 g) in the form of glycerin is part of the lipids that the body processes the energy needed for motor activity, breathing and warming the body;
  3. myristic acid (1.1% or 0.638 g) contributes to a more active production of cholesterol by the liver, which negatively affects the condition of the vessels, up to the development of atherosclerosis, since cholesterol plaques are formed that are attached to the walls of the vessels, reducing their patency;
  4. lauric acid (0.2% or 0.116 g) is an antiseptic and prevents the development of bacteria and fungi;
  5. other fatty acids (0.3% or 0.174 g) are also part of the body fat, during the processing of which the body produces the energy necessary for motor activity and respiration.

Unsaturated fatty acids:

  1. linoleic acid (10.5% or 6.09 g) is part of cell membranes, maintaining their integrity;
  2. oleic acid (39% or 22.62 g) prevents the development of insulin resistance - a condition in which the cells of the body are resistant to the action of insulin, resulting in an increase in blood sugar.

SFAs - saturated fatty acids in the chemical composition - the main thing that palm oil is harmful to human body. These substances are an indirect cause of an increase in cholesterol levels, but only when used together with them. a large number of(more than 4 g per 1 kg of body weight) carbohydrates. If this does not happen, then normal lipid metabolism occurs, which does not lead to the formation of excess cholesterol and body fat.

The use of the component in food

Palm (not palm kernel) oil is found in many foods because it is easy to extract. It is pressed from the soft part of the palm fruit, this is an easy and cheap way. Refined, almost completely devoid of smell, color and taste, it is used in deep-frying and for frying (especially in fast food establishments, where the process needs to be as cheap as possible).

Due to its lower cost, palm oil replaces cocoa butter in chocolate, desserts, chocolate spreads, glazes, milk fat. On its basis, inexpensive cheeses, curd products, spreads, margarines, table butter, mayonnaises and sauces from them are made. This is done in order to reduce the cost and, consequently, the final price of the product for the consumer. It is valued by manufacturers because the taste of products with such a substitute is almost impossible to distinguish from the original. As a result, when using such a product, a person does not receive healthy fats (for example, dairy).

Product in infant formula

Palm oil adversely affects calcium absorption in newborns. The lack of calcium leads to the fragility of the bone tissue, it is formed more slowly and the bones can be deformed. Palm olein (a derivative component often referred to as palm oil on product packaging in Russia) is found in many infant formulas. Nelson's 1998 study of two control groups of children confirmed that infants' absorption of calcium from formulas containing palm olein decreased from 57.4% to 37.5%.

A further study in 2002 looked at calcium absorption rates in formulas containing partially hydrolyzed milk protein (i.e., another common type of infant formula). In this case, only 41% of calcium was absorbed from baby food, which included palm olein, while 66% was absorbed from baby food without it. In the same year, a similar study was conducted on baby food with a predominance of soy protein isolate (a protein often included in mixtures). At the same time, 37% of calcium was assimilated from the mixture without olein, and only 22% from the mixture with olein.

The main reason why this happens is the lateral fixed position of palmitic acid in the lipid molecule. Thanks to him, she can freely split off and bind calcium from the diet in the intestines, preventing its absorption.

Important! However, a formula has also been developed for a different, structured olein. In it, the location of the acid is artificially changed, as a result of which it cannot be split off freely. The harm of this type of palm oil is slightly lower. It is called structured or beta palmitate. Its production is quite expensive, because it is part of only the most expensive mixtures.

Application in cosmetology

The main reason why these fats are used in the production of cosmetics is economic feasibility. These fats can replace almost any vegetable fat needed to create a cosmetic skin care product (creams, balms, masks, soaps). But sometimes it is also used in the production of decorative cosmetics - lipsticks, foundation creams, blush with a creamy texture. It is also valued because it can be used to give a firm texture to lipsticks and pencil leads.

At the same time, the products include not only the oils themselves, but also their waste products. For example, during the deodorization of vegetable fat, products are released under the general name oleochemicals. These substances are used in the creation of soap and increase its saponifying power.

The benefits of palm oil for the skin are quite high. The antioxidant properties of the vitamins in its composition detoxify the skin, preventing harmful substances (free radicals) from accumulating in it. Since it is free radicals that become the main cause of the rapid aging of skin cells, its saturation with antioxidants leads to a slowdown in the aging process and skin fading.

Palmitic acid, which is the most abundant in oil, helps retain moisture in hair and skin cells. It is able to hydrate hair and skin and prevent them from losing moisture, which is good for colored or bleached hair that is more porous and loses moisture faster.

Vitamin A and E in this vegetable fat have a healing, soothing and regenerating effect on the skin. As a result, palm oil cosmetics are suitable for sensitive skin. Thus, despite the data on the dangers of palm oil, it is safe and even useful when used in cosmetology.

Harm from ingestion

The harm of palm oil to human health is great. Arachidic acid and other EFAs in the chemical composition increase the production of cholesterol by the liver, as a result of which cholesterol plaques sometimes form on the walls of blood vessels and atherosclerosis develops. Throughput decreases, which provokes hypertension. Properties have a negative impact on the state of the body, they are not able to harm a young healthy body as much as the body of older people whose vascular tone is impaired.

By themselves, saturated fatty acids are capable of forming fatty deposits. This leads to obesity. Therefore, people who want to lose weight or tend to be overweight, it is better to refrain from using this product.

It is possible to make an unambiguous conclusion as to whether it is worth buying palm oil, whether it is harmful or beneficial, only taking into account the methods of use. The oil is useful for external use as part of cosmetics and masks, however, you should not use it inside.

The harm of palm oil to human health is confirmed by the fact that in some developed countries the import of this component is prohibited. In countries that are part of the EU, the component is used in the creation of food products, but the packaging must have a label warning about the content of such vegetable fats and the amount.

Some symptoms of the appearance:

  • weakened immunity, frequent colds;
  • weakness, fatigue;
  • nervous state, depression;
  • headaches and migraines;
  • intermittent diarrhea and constipation;
  • want sweet and sour;
  • bad breath;
  • frequent feeling of hunger;
  • weight loss problems
  • loss of appetite;
  • night grinding of teeth, salivation;
  • pain in the abdomen, joints, muscles;
  • does not pass cough;
  • increased sweating;
  • pimples on the skin.

If you have any of the symptoms or doubt the causes of ailments, you need to cleanse the body as soon as possible. How to do it .

If you find an error, please highlight a piece of text and click Ctrl+Enter.

Ecology of knowledge. Informative: Palm oil is very widely used in the food industry, it is added to confectionery, semi-finished products, dough products. Palm oil is found in chips, crackers, sauces, margarines, processed cheese, chocolate and many other products. The exception is not even baby food.

Palm oil is very widely used in the food industry, it is added to confectionery, semi-finished products, dough products. Palm oil is found in chips, crackers, sauces, margarines, processed cheese, chocolate and many other products. The exception is not even baby food.

Where does palm oil come from?

It is pressed from the fruits of the oil palm tree, which grows in distant Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. Its composition is very close to butter.

WWF (World Wide Fund wildlife) states that 50% of all packaged foods contain palm oil, and global palm oil production has doubled in the last decade.

This product is made from the fruit of the Aviora elais or Elais guienensis palm species. From the pulp of the fruit, oil is extracted, which is called palm oil. But the kernels of the fruits are also used. They produce oil, which is called kernel palm. One plant gives up to four and a half liters of product at a time. Due to the fact that the product itself is pressed practically on palm plantations, its production is quite simple and does not require special mechanisms.

At first glance, it may seem that if it is a product of plant origin, then it is harmless. It turns out not at all.

Palm oil is harmful to health

Palm oil contains a lot of saturated fats. If ordinary vegetable oil contains so-called unsaturated fatty acids (which are considered beneficial in terms of nutrition and proper nutrition), then palm oil contains saturated fatty acids (these are considered more harmful and are mainly found in animal products). So, there are almost as many saturated fatty acids in palm oil as in butter.

These fats from plant sources are very resistant to environment. Therefore, the products in which they are included are stored for a long time, do not lose taste qualities. In other words, it is a good preservative. Using it, the presentation of products improves, taste characteristics increase, shelf life increases, and the cost of the product decreases. But if it is economically beneficial for producers, it is very harmful for consumers.

Nutritionists explain the saturated fats found in palm oil are harmful to human health. The human digestive system is not adapted to such food. The use of saturated fats leads to a violation of lipid metabolism, an increase in cholesterol levels, as a result of which blood vessels are affected, atherosclerotic processes occur. The body wears out and ages faster.

The ability of fatty acids to increase the level of cholesterol in the blood and provoke the development of atherosclerosis, vascular thrombosis, heart disease, obesity make palm oil an unacceptable product in the diet of a person of any age.

Authorities in the field healthy eating There is a constant message about consuming as little saturated fat as possible, which are the main components of palm and other tropical oils and, of course, are included in meat and dairy products.

The National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute, which is a division of the National Institutes of Health, warned in 1997 that “Saturated fats raise blood cholesterol levels like no other. This excess cholesterol can clog arteries over time. Consequently, the risk of heart disease increases.”

Palm oil imports to Russia grew by a third in 2015

The volume of palm oil supplies to Russia is growing at a terrifying pace. After joining the WTO, the duties on it decreased several times - and imports crept up. Indonesia (61%), Malaysia (14%), the Netherlands (10%) and Ukraine (9%) became the largest suppliers of palm oil to the Russian Federation.

At the same time, there are no strict standards for the use of palm oil in Russia. This allows many businessmen to buy up his technical options at bargain prices in third world countries. According to experts, most often for these purposes they buy oil intended for the production of cosmetics, pharmaceutical products, toilet products, soap, detergents and paints. Another problem is that we do not have standards for the transportation of palm oil, which allows us to transport it in tanks from bitumen and tar.

Last year, State Duma deputies already tried to declare war on tropical fats. It was stated that in our food industry, low-quality oils are most often used, intended for technical application. The use of such was proposed to be prohibited. But the situation has not reached specific taboos.

Another problem is oil oxidation. “Almost no one objects to the use of high-quality palm oil in food products (and this is pressed from the harvested fruits for 24 hours and undergoes cleaning). However, the oil obtained in this way is very important to pack in airtight containers for delivery to the point of consumption. Otherwise, any vegetable oil is oxidized, and it is absolutely impossible to eat it. Oxidation products are toxic to our body, have a carcinogenic effect. Unfortunately, despite the existing regulations in the food industry on the use of the highest quality palm oil in the production, quite often oxidized palm oil is brought into our country, which, in fact, causes great harm to our health,” experts say.

Nature, ecology and animals

According to statistics, approximately 35 million tons of palm oil are produced annually. The largest producers are located in Malaysia, Indonesia.

To create new plantations in Southeast Asia, rainforests are being destroyed at a rate equivalent to destroying 300 football fields per hour.

Deforestation exacerbates climate change on a planetary scale. Forests are the lungs of our planet, producing huge amounts of oxygen and helping to break down carbon dioxide. The climate situation in the world also depends on the deforestation of tropical forests, the planet is heating, which leads to global warming.

Millions of species of animals, insects and plants are threatened with extinction. Deforestation has threatened the extinction of at least 236 plant species and 51 animal species in Kalimantan alone (a region in Indonesia).

Orangutans and pygmy elephants are especially affected. Both animal species are currently at the stage of extinction. Over the past 10 years, orangutan numbers have declined by 50% as a result of habitat loss from cutting down trees for palm oil production.

Just over 6,000 orangutans remain on the island of Sumatra, the largest island in Indonesia. It is believed that more than 1,000 orangutans die each year due to human error.

These facts are enough to draw a conclusion and try to avoid products that use palm oil. Unfortunately, many manufacturers in Russia may not list palm oil as part of their products on their packages, limiting themselves to “vegetable fats”.

In the EU, since December last year, a law was passed according to which palm oil can no longer be listed in the composition of the product as “hidden” - for example, under the general wording “vegetable fats”. However, the introduction of such a law was not easy and took three years - from its development to its entry into force.

In the US, product packaging containing palm oil must state this in one way or another. If we are talking about a "mixture of vegetable fats", then such a general formulation must certainly be followed by an explanation - what kind of fats are we talking about.

What to do?

Reduce, and it is better to exclude from the diet products, which include vegetable fats of unknown origin. In addition, palm oil can be hydrogenated, and this is already fraught with the formation of trans fats in it, the use of which can be very harmful to health. published

P.S. And remember, just by changing your consumption, we are changing the world together! © econet

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A lot has been written and said about the dangers and benefits of palm oil. The statements of experts and the reasoning of bloggers put pressure on the consumer, forcing them to make one or another choice. The problem is that not every one of us knows what palm oil is made from, so we have to believe everything that is said. Let's see what kind of product it is and whether it is really so harmful.

What is palm oil made from?

How is palm oil made?

It is worth noting right away that the word “oil” itself is not used quite correctly. Rather, it is a fat that is extracted from the pulp of the fruits of palm trees.

For its preparation, ripened fruits are placed in huge vats for heat treatment. After a short boil, the fat rises to the top, where it is collected for further refining. During this process, it is cleaned of impurities, neutralized of free fatty acids, bleached and deodorized. After this processing, the raw material is ready for use.

The most valuable is palm fruit oil, extracted with the help of gentle technology. It is not refined, therefore it is maximally enriched with useful components. This oil is red in color with a pleasant taste and aroma. In some parts of Africa, it is mined by hand.

There is also industrial palm oil. It is used for cosmetic purposes and industrial scale(for lubrication of various parts). For the production of each type of oil, its own special technology is used.

Use of palm oil

The scope of this raw material is wide. Palm oil is used all over the world for confectionery purposes, it replaces milk fat, it is added to fast food and various sauces.

1. In the bakery business, such fat is added to baked goods to extend its shelf life and improve taste. It is also indispensable for confectioners - a variety of pastes, sweets, fillers, cookies, cakes contain palm fat. It is also present in chocolate.

2. Consumers don't even know how milk is made from palm oil. And not only him, but all dairy products. Cream is separated from milk on a separator, casein and milk protein are collected. Palm fat and other elements are added to the resulting skimmed milk to make the taste of the product “natural”. Other products are processed no less skillfully: cottage cheese, ice cream, condensed milk, butter, sour cream - to increase the shelf life and production volumes, quality goes aside.

3. In addition to the food industry, this fat is also used in cosmetology. It is added to soaps, shampoos, creams. Due to the content of vitamins A and E, the oil perfectly moisturizes the skin, softens it, and improves the condition of the hair.

The use of palm fruit oil is widespread throughout the world. I would like to believe that manufacturers do not violate the production technology of products and use high-quality raw materials that will not harm our health.

Palm oil is a vegetable product made from the fruit of the oil palm. The birthplace of culture is Western Guinea. It is ideal for the manufacture of confectionery products intended for long-term storage. Interestingly, since 2015, the production of palm oil on an industrial scale has exceeded the production of other oil products by 2.5 times. vegetable oils(sunflower, soybean, rapeseed). In terms of quantity, this is a record holder among food products, ahead of even fish oil. Does not contain .

Currently, the Swiss company Nestlé purchases more than 420,000 tons of palm oil per year for the manufacture of food products. The debate about its benefits and harms has not subsided so far. The abundance of carotenoids, the strongest, have a therapeutic effect on the human body. They reduce the likelihood of cancer, provide energy production, participate in the structuring of bones, the production of visual pigment in the retina of the eye, and are useful for joints and skin. The harm of the product is due to the high content of saturated fats, which are processed and remain in the form of slags. These refractory substances stick up the intestines and are deposited on the walls of blood vessels, increasing the risk of developing diseases of the heart and main vessels.

Varieties

The following types of oils are extracted from the fruits of the oil palm: raw palm, palm kernel. This is the most common and cheapest product among vegetable fats. Because of this, it is widely used in food production.

Currently, oil palm is cultivated in South America, West Africa, Indonesia, Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

Crude oil is obtained by processing the pulp of the fruit, which contains up to 70%. Only the product that has gone through several stages of refining is suitable for food. Otherwise, crude oil is used only for technical purposes - for the manufacture of candles, soap and lubrication of spare parts.

Production principle

On the plantations, fruits are harvested, which are transported to the plant for further processing. The collected clusters are treated with dry hot steam to separate them. After that, the pulp of the fruit is pre-sterilized, then subjected to pressing. The resulting raw material is heated to 100 degrees and placed in a centrifuge to separate the liquid and impurities.

Stages of oil refining:

  • elimination of mechanical impurities;
  • hydration (extraction);
  • neutralization (removal of free fatty acids);
  • whitening;
  • deodorization.

Palm kernel oil is a product obtained by extracting or pressing kernels from seeds. The degree of its digestibility is 97%.

Varieties of palm oil used in the food industry:

  1. Standard. Melts at a temperature of 36-39 degrees. Scope of application: baking and frying. In the process of cooking does not create smoke and burning. Foods prepared with standard palm oil should be consumed warm. Otherwise, the dish will harden and become covered with an unaesthetic film.
  2. Olein. The melting point of the product is 16-24 degrees. Used for frying meat and dough. Has a creamy texture. Widely used in the cosmetic industry.
  3. Stearin. It has the highest melting point among the three oils. It is 48-52 degrees. It is the hardest fraction of palm oil. Industries of application: cosmetology, metallurgy, food industry. Included in margarine.

A distinctive feature of palm oil from other vegetable oils is its solid consistency. The longer the product is stored, the higher its melting point becomes. So, for fresh palm oil, it is 27 degrees. And for a product with a weekly aging period, it increases to 42 degrees.

Butter is a source of fat-soluble vitamins A,. A freshly produced palm product has a light orange color due to the high content of beta-carotene. In the food industry, only decolorized oil is used. To do this, it is heated in an oven to 200 degrees, cooled. Under the influence of ultraviolet and oxygen, the natural dye beta-carotene is destroyed, as a result, palm oil becomes discolored, partially losing its value.

Chemical composition

100 ml of palm oil contains 884 kcal, while fat accounts for 99.7 g, and 0.1 g. Chemical composition The product is represented by vitamins E (33.1 mg), A (30 mg), (0.3 mg), K (0.008 mg) and (2 mg). The share is 100 mg. In addition, traces of lecithin, squalene and coenzyme Q10 were found.

According to the results of studies, it was found that the oil contains palmitic acid, which enhances the natural production of cholesterol. As a result, the human body begins to intensively synthesize an organic compound in an uncontrolled amount, which in turn increases the risk of vascular and heart pathology.

The World Health Organization strongly recommends reducing fatty acid intake. Dangerous foods include palm and butter, chocolate, meat, eggs. According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the maximum allowable intake of fatty acids is 10% of human energy consumption, including alcohol. In other words, with an oil of 884 kcal per 100 ml and a content of 44% palmitic acid in it, a safe daily dose of palm fruit pomace is 10 ml, provided there are no other sources of fatty acids in the diet.

Impact on the body of infants

Clinical studies have shown that infant formulas containing palm olein reduce absorption when compared to diets that do not include palm olein. And digestibility decreases from 57.4% to 37.5%.

In addition to lowering calcium absorption, fat excretion with stool increases. It becomes thicker and constipation develops.

Malabsorption of the macronutrient is due to the special location of palmitic acid relative to the palm olein fat molecule. Under normal conditions, it is in the lateral position. After starting the process of digestion of baby food in the intestines, it is split off, binding calcium in a free state. As a result, insoluble salts are formed: calcium palmitate. In fact, this is a soap that is not absorbed in the digestive tract, but is excreted in transit with the stool.

In order to avoid blocking the absorption of the mineral, the position of palmitic acid is artificially changed in olein. This product is called beta palmitate. As a result, structured oil with palmitic acid does not break down, does not form soap with calcium, and is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract unchanged.

Myths or reality

Palm oil is a product that causes a lot of controversy and misconceptions about its benefits and harms. Some argue that it is a natural source of tocopherols, beta-carotene, others insist that it is transformed into plasticine in the human body and disrupts intestinal patency. In addition, there is an opinion that raw materials for the production of oil are transported in tankers from oil, as a result, it poses a threat to human health and causes cancer.

Let's consider the main guesses about oil and fat products, and whether they have a reasonable basis for existence.

Myth #1: "Palm oil contains dangerous trans fats"

It is not true. These compounds are not part of the product. What is the danger of trans fats? They replace beneficial fatty acids at the molecular level from cell membranes, disrupting cell nutrition and blocking. As a result, metabolic reactions slow down, which leads to the development chronic diseases endocrine, digestive, cardiovascular, genitourinary systems.

Myth No. 2 “For production, industrial palm oil is used, brought in tanks from oil products from Indonesia and Malaysia.

Lie. The raw materials used for the manufacture of butter must meet the requirements for food products, otherwise it is prohibited for use at the legislative level of the country. In addition, it is additionally cleaned, subjected to deodorization, as a result of which it loses its color, smell and taste.

Transportation stories are nothing more than an invention of competitors. For the transportation of palm oil, specially equipped tanks are used that meet all safety requirements. Before loading raw materials, tank containers are thoroughly cleaned (steamed, washed, dried) from the remnants of the previous product. In addition, it is forbidden to transport palm oil in containers that previously held non-edible, toxic cargo. Transportation of products is controlled by international organizations.

Myth #3: “Palm oil is of no value to the human body”

Wrong statement. It is a source of coenzyme Q10, carotenoids, tocotrienols, tocopherols, polyunsaturated fatty acids (,), vitamins B4, F.

In the process of choosing oil for food purposes, remember that refined and deodorized products are free of impurities and partially devoid of useful substances. Therefore, it is recommended to give preference to unrefined species. Such oils should not be subjected to heat treatment, they are best used as a food additive to salads. These products include red palm oil. It fully retains all the useful properties listed above.

Myth #4 “Palm oil comes from the trunk of a palm tree”

This is an erroneous opinion. The product is obtained exclusively from the fruit of the oil palm by squeezing it out of the kernel or pulp. The main feature is a solid consistency from nature. Interestingly, the further south a tree grows, the more saturated fatty acids are contained in the fruits, and the further north, the more PUFAs. Because of this, the oil obtained in the southern tropical countries has a hard structure. This property of the product provides the desired shape of ready-made food and confectionery.

Myth No. 5 “Palm oil, when it enters the stomach, behaves like plasticine - it does not melt, but is a sticky mass that sticks to the body from the inside”

An absurd conclusion. When it enters the digestive tract, the product acquires the consistency of an emulsion. Palm oil is absorbed in the body in the same way as other foods. In moderate amounts (10 ml), it does not pose a risk to human health. According to the postulates of a healthy diet, the recommended amount of fat in the diet of an adult should not exceed 30% of the total amount of energy consumed. Of which MUFAs and PUFAs account for 6-10% each, saturated fatty acids - up to 10%.

Myth #6 “Manufacturers prefer palm oil because of the cheapness of raw materials”

Indeed it is true. The cheapness of the oil is due to the high productivity of the plantations of the main suppliers of raw materials (Indonesia and Malaysia). In addition, it is very technologically advanced. The solid structure of the product makes it attractive for use in the food industry (confectionery and bakery). Previously, liquid oils were used, which were hydrogenated to compact and harden. As a result, they accumulated dangerous trans fats and harmed the body. A modern alternative to them is palm oil. It is safe and of high quality by nature.

Myth #7 “Food products with palm oil are banned in developed countries”

It is not true. No country has banned palm oil. Moreover, he owns 58% of the consumption of vegetable fats in the world market.

health hazard

Palm oil is an essential ingredient in biscuits, sweets, chips, cheese, ice cream, and french fries. At the present time, it is difficult to find a product without this ingredient. However, the "passion" for overseas fat poses a danger to human health.

Harm of palm oil.

Is deposited in fat as quickly as possible

Although palm oil has vegetable origin, in composition it is similar to animal fats, since it contains predominantly monounsaturated, saturated fatty acids. The most dangerous component of the product is palmitic acid, which causes increased cholesterol synthesis. In addition, the oil accelerates the rate of deposition of fat in the "fat depot", which contributes to the rapid weight gain. , cheeses, ice cream, cream, chips, french fries, chocolate, sweets, cookies - products that already lead to weight problems, and they are further "enriched" with palmitic acid and palm oil.

Causes type II diabetes

Palmitic acid, which is part of the product, promotes the deposition of fat in internal organs and fabrics. Including the pancreas, which contributes to the disruption of adequate insulin synthesis.

Causes addiction

Fatty acids "hit" the brain, as a result, the body's susceptibility to hormones that report satiety (insulin and leptin) decreases. Thus, he does not give a signal that you need to stop eating. Palmitic acid suppresses the ability of insulin and leptin to activate, which explains the dependence of a person on fatty foods.

Harms the liver

Palmitic acid is not completely eliminated from the human body. Accumulating in the pancreas, thymus, liver and skeletal muscles, it replaces healthy organ cells with fat. In addition, ceramides, which are part of palmitic acid, provoke degradation nerve cells and the occurrence of Alzheimer's disease.

Raises "bad" low-density lipoprotein cholesterol

With the regular intake of these compounds from the outside, they turn into biological "garbage" in the circulatory system. As a result, the immune cells of the body regard them as foreign bodies, which increases the risk of formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the vessels, the formation of blood clots.

Palm oil should not be used by persons over 50 years of age, children under 18 years of age, people with ailments of the digestive tract in the acute phase, osteopathy and osteoporosis, heart disease.

Remember, with regular intake of the product, fatty acids begin to accumulate in cell biomembranes. As a result, their transport functions are disrupted, which can contribute to sexual dysfunction, the development of vascular and heart diseases. The most dangerous combination of palm oil with, which leads to obesity and atherosclerosis.

Beneficial features

Palm oil is one of the most affordable plant products, widely used in cosmetology, food industry and in the production of soaps, candles, powders, medicines. The latter, in turn, are aimed at eliminating problems associated with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, blood vessels, heart, and eyes.

Characteristics of palm oil: reddish-reddish color, solid consistency, resistance to oxidation processes. The natural product exhibits pronounced antibacterial and wound-healing properties, prevents the occurrence of inflammatory reactions.

Palm oil health benefits:

  1. Fights free radicals. It is the strongest antioxidant rich in carotenoids. Improves the condition of hair and skin. Prolongs youth, reduces the likelihood of developing cancer. In addition, antioxidants resist skin aging, slowing down age-related changes in the body.
  2. It supplies the body with energy due to its high fat content, fights fatigue syndrome, psycho-emotional disorders, improves memory, attention and mental abilities of a person.
  3. Reduces the risk of blockage of blood vessels and the development of heart failure, stroke, heart attack, hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease.
  4. It improves the work of the vision analyzer (due to provitamin A), makes it possible to produce a pigment located in the retina and responsible for the visibility of the eye. Normalizes intraocular pressure, protects the cornea and lens, improves blood supply to the visual organ. It is used for the prevention and treatment of "night blindness", glaucoma, conjunctivitis, tired eye syndrome.
  5. It prevents inflammation of the digestive organs, stimulates the secretion of bile, accelerates the healing of erosions on the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines. Recommended for use by people suffering from colitis, gastritis, ulcers, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis.
  6. Regulates the hormonal background in women, maintains normal estrogen levels, relieves inflammation of the ovaries, breasts, uterus (vitamins A, E). Used to relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, menopause. For medicinal purposes, a tampon with palm oil is inserted into the vagina to eliminate cervical erosion, vaginitis, colpitis.

PUFAs, which are part of the oil, are involved in the structuring of the skeletal system, increase joint mobility.

With regular use of natural red palm oil, starting from the age of 30, osteoporosis, which in 60% of cases develops in women during menopause, and diseases of the musculoskeletal system can be avoided. Otherwise, a restructuring of the bone structure is observed, it becomes thinner, calcium is washed out, the mineral strength of the skeleton is lost, and fractures occur with minor loads. The main danger of osteoporosis is a slow but progressive course, which as a result leads to vertebral injury, disability and even death among the elderly.

Application in traditional medicine

For medicinal purposes, red palm oil is used, which is high in provitamin A (carotenoids), which exhibit powerful antioxidant properties and neutralize saturated fatty acids (50%) in the product, which cause an increase in low-density lipoproteins in the blood. Beneficial features: inhibits platelet aggregation, reduces the likelihood of heart attack and cataracts, lowers blood pressure, activates liver enzymes, reduces oxidative stress, scars stomach ulcers. The oil has neuro- and cardio-producing effects, nourishes the skin, heals the liver, prevents hypovitaminosis, and maintains visual acuity. The recommended daily intake of natural raw red palm oil for an adult is 10 ml. To avoid phosphorus-calcium metabolism, it is allowed to use it from 18 to 50 years. Do not heat treat.

Health Recipes:

  1. In case of skin damage (from burns, cuts). Apply palm oil to the problem area twice a day for 14 days.
  2. To relieve inflammation in the oral cavity and treat periodontal disease. Soak a sterile gauze pad in oil, apply to the gums. Therapy is carried out for 2 weeks.
  3. From cracked nipples. To heal wounds during breastfeeding, palm oil is heated in a water bath (for the purpose of disinfection), nipples are lubricated with it every time after the baby is applied to the breast. Repeat the procedure until the cracks heal.
  4. From erosion of the cervix. From a sterile gauze pad or cotton wool, form a swab, soak in warm palm oil, and insert vaginally. The course of treatment is 10 days. The procedure is carried out one day after consulting a doctor.
  5. For the treatment of lichen, eczema, psoriasis. Composition components: oil walnut(20 ml) and from the fruits of the red palm (80 ml), birch tar (3 g). Combine ingredients, mix. Apply the ointment 2 times a day for 2 weeks.
  6. For diseases of the joints. To relieve the pain of gout, problem areas are massaged by rubbing the therapeutic composition. Ingredients of the ointment: 15 ml of palm, 25 ml of stone grape, 5 drops of lemon and pine, 10 drops of lavender oil. To relieve pain in arthritis, the joints are rubbed using the following composition: 5 drops of pine essential oil, 3 drops of lemon and lavender, 15 ml of olive and palm.

The greatest value for the human body is provided by the oil of the first cold pressing. It is characterized by a rich fatty acid composition and a low degree of oxidation. For eating and cooking medical recipes for external use, it is recommended to give preference to red palm oil with a maximum content of beta-carotene, which is 15 times higher than the indicators of this substance in.

Application in cosmetology

The product, obtained from the fruits of the oil palm, has a strong softening effect, therefore it is recommended for the care of flaky, rough, dry and aging skin. In addition, manufacturers use it as a component to give a firm consistency. cosmetics. Palm oil tones, nourishes the dermis, increases its firmness and elasticity, smoothes shallow wrinkles, providing anti-aging properties.

Use in home cosmetology:

  1. To moisturize the face. Mix palm oil in a ratio of 1: 1 with olive oil, apply to damp skin with patting movements. Apply the composition in courses for 2 weeks with a 10-day break.
  2. For skin rejuvenation. Mix palm and apricot oils in equal proportions, apply to washed skin in the evening, for a quarter of an hour. Do not remove excess with a napkin, leave until completely absorbed. The procedure is carried out regularly for 14 days.
  3. For hair nutrition. Apply the oil on the scalp and wet curls, leave for 1.5 hours, rinse thoroughly. Repeat the procedure twice a month. Remember, palm oil is poorly washed off the hair, so the mask is made before washing your hair.
  4. To relax the body. Oil massage normalizes sleep, soothes, improves blood circulation, smoothes wrinkles.
  5. To eliminate cellulite, geranium oil (7 drops) is mixed with palm (15 ml), olive (5 ml), lemon and dill (5 drops each), the resulting mixture is rubbed with massage movements into problem areas twice a day. In addition, during the period of struggle with orange peel, it is important to exercise, eat right and drink more than 2 liters of water per day.
  6. For smoothing postoperative scars. Composition components: clove, mint (2 drops each), lavender, rosemary (4 drops each) and palm oil (15 ml). Apply to an uneven area 1-2 times a day for 10 days, then take a break for 1-2 weeks, resume the procedure.

Palm oil is a product that wide range action on the human body. It is used externally to correct the figure, improve the condition of the skin and hair, relax the body, reduce joint pain, heal cracks and wounds. And inside to fortify the body with antioxidants A and E, lecithin and coenzyme Q10.

Conclusion

Palm oil is a useful and very expensive product until the multi-level purification of raw materials. After the strongest treatment, it oxidizes, loses its nutritional value for the human body. Don't put your loved ones at risk. Introduce only uncooked red palm oil (maximum 10 ml per day) into your diet. Otherwise, palmitic acid, which is part of the product, worsens the mineralization of bones in children, disrupts metabolic processes, causes intoxication of the body, impairs the functioning of the brain, liver, and provokes the appearance of diabetes and obesity.

It is recommended to minimize or completely abandon the consumption of palm oil, which is included in fast food products (chips, french fries, fast foods, cheeseburgers), processed cheese, yoghurts, baby formulas and confectionery. As part of this food, it is the strongest carcinogen that is dangerous to human health. In addition, children and adolescents under 18 years of age, as well as people over 50 years of age, should eat products without palm oil, otherwise problems with phosphorus-calcium metabolism may occur.

In order not to fall into the "trap" of manufacturers, carefully read the label of the purchased product. Refuse to buy products that, according to the production technology, should contain only butter, but it has been replaced with palm oil or stearin. These include: cheese, ice cream, condensed milk, cream, cakes, cakes, cookies, sweets.

Sources

  1. N. Ivanova: The healing power of palm oil