Palm oil is considered one of the enemies of health. But is it really a risky substance?
Palm oil is obtained, as it also happens for other vegetable oils, through a complicated refining process. During the processing phases of palm oil, however, a potentially carcinogenic substance is formed, esterified glycidol.
According to international scientific studies, glycidol is genotoxic, that is, it has the ability to alter genetic information inside cells triggering tumors, but it is also able to raise blood cholesterol levels and therefore favor the possible appearance of cardiovascular diseases.
In what foods is it contained
Until recently, the number of industrial products containing palm oil – very cheap for food companies – was really huge: snacks, crackers, biscuits, sweet and savory spreads, ice cream, frozen meat and fish ready meals.
Taking into account that the World Health Organization recommends not to exceed 10% the intake of saturated fatty acids, it is sufficient to have breakfast with some biscuits, eat a snack or a breaded cutlet ready for dinner to reach the limit quota.
What’s more, we often offer these foods to babies as well, and even some infant milks contain this substance.
However, it is good to remember that saturated fatty acids are not only contained in palm oil, but are naturally also present in other foods that we often find on our tables, such as butter, eggs and red meats. If on the one hand palm oil should not be demonized, on the other we must pay attention to the perception we have of our diet: when we spread butter on bread or add whipped cream to strawberries, we are perfectly aware of transgressing the rules of a healthy diet. A common cereal bar, on the other hand, has a harmless air but, often, palm oil is present.
“Palm oil free”
After pressure from public opinion and consumers, in supermarkets a large part of the industrial and branded products of the point of sale has become “palm oil free” or “palm oil free”, while the term “vegetable oils”, which can mean the presence of palm oil and which is still present in the list of ingredients of many products, It will gradually be replaced with more precise labels, as established by new regulations.
But the “palm oil” issue also requires a reflection on our food lifestyle and on the prevalence, on the table, of preserved products at the expense of fresh ones. In short, avoiding palm oil (and probably any other future “enemy” of health) is possible simply by buying fresh and seasonal foods (fruit, vegetables, meats and fish) more often. Desserts, including biscuits, should instead be consumed in moderation and possibly made at home with quality raw materials.
Finally, in addition to our health, the well-being and survival of the planet and its inhabitants also counts: the palm oil production areas have suffered heavy deforestation and often the working conditions of farmers, denounced by various international organizations, are inhumane. One more valid reason to do without it.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.