Palm oil has remained in the debate for its uses and benefits. However, there are certain real facts on the benefits and uses of the Palm oil which cannot be overlooked. It is not only a healthy ingredient in the food but its cultivation conserves soil and water quality.
To know more about Palm Oil let us continue reading this blog.
What is Palm Oil and how it is derived?
Palm oil is an edible vegetable oil which is derived from the fruit of the oil palms. Although Palm oil is produced globally, it is majorly produced in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Columbia, and Nigeria.
Usually, Palm oil, in its virgin form, is bright orangish-red in colour. Scientifically, this is due to the presence of a high amount of carotene. This oil is widely used as one of the major ingredients of butter, pastries and other baked goods.
How Palm oil is beneficial in terms of health and nutrition?
The Palm oil is rich in natural chemical compounds like Carotenes, Vitamin E and other fat-soluble micronutrients. Carotene is a carrier of Vitamin A, which strengthens the immunity of a body, reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease and cataract.
It is said that the Carotenes obtained from the consumption of Palm oil is 15 times more than carrots and 30 times more than the tomatoes.
Palm oil is also a rich source of Vitamin E. It is said that none of the other vegetable oil can provide as much of Vitamin E as the Palm oil provides. Vitamin E is required for the proper functioning of many organs in the human body. This antioxidant slows down the process that damage cells and leads to ageing.
Is Palm oil safe to be used as an ingredient of any food?
Palm oil is widely used as an ingredient of many processed foods. These processed foods can be butter, coffee creamers, ice-creams, pizza dough, bread, frozen foods, sauces, dessert and snack foods.
Moreover, palm oil is also present in various beauty and cosmetic products like lipsticks, beauty soaps, etc.
Palm is best suited for those foods which are cooked at high temperatures. When palm oil is refined, it is free from impurities and fatty acids, which leads oil to smoke. Palm oil is versatile in its nature. It makes the foods creamier and richer in taste.
Why the cultivation of Palm oil should be supported?
As mentioned in the above paragraph, Palm oil is majorly produced in Malaysia and Indonesia, which is around 80% of the world palm oil production.
Palm oil is a valuable economic crop which provides a great source of employment to its producing countries. Its cultivation requires less land and through which even a small landholder can participate in a cash economy. The cultivation of palm oil has replaced some traditional practices of farming and has also improved the local infrastructure.
Bottom Line
Despite being targeted with several allegations, the success of oil palm cannot be kept hidden. It has become advantageous for the farmers as it requires less amount of fertilizers, pesticides, and fuel energy in comparison to any other oilseed. Moreover, there is no requirement for the intensive labour for the cultivation of palm oil.
To conclude, palm oil cultivation is a ray of hope for the farmers as it is sustainable, which needs low maintenance and gives a high return.
To know more about Palm Oil and its associated benefits, click MPOC.