Palm oils are better for health as they do not have to go through hydrogenation. Hydrogenation of oils produces TFAs along with saturated fatty acids and modifies cis-fatty acids. TFAs have been implicated by numerous scientific studies to breast cancer, colonic cancer, and heart disease. It is also believed to contribute to development of Type 2 diabetes and impairment of brain development in newborns.
Many countries are today warning consumers against intake and/or even regulate the content of TFAs in foods sold in their respective markets. This underlines the growing recognition and concern over their negative health effects.
Palm oil is rich in Vitamin E (tocopherols & tocotrienols). In fact, no other vegetable oil has as much Vitamin E compared to Palm Oil. Vitamin E is a powerful anti-oxidant, capable of reducing the harmful types of oxygen molecules (free radicals) in the body. This means they may help to protect you from certain chronic diseases, while delaying the body's ageing process. Latest research shows that the tocotrienol form of Vitamin E reacts more effectively than tocopherols.
Palm oil and fats made from palm oil serve as good food material that are both safe and free from trans fatty acids found in hydrogenated fats . Recent research has shown that trans fatty acids are very harmful to health. They have been linked to various diseases such as cancer (breasts cancer and colonic cancer) and heart disease.
One of the easiest ways to prevent cancer is to avoid consuming hydrogenated fats by selecting food products that use palm oil or fats made from palm oil. Palm oil-based products are free from trans fatty acids because they are produced without having to undergo the hydrogenation process.
Another reason why you need palm oil is because it supplies fatty acids as well as important fat-soluble micronutrients like Carotenoids (including pro-vitamin A), vitamins D, E and K.
Fatty acids are raw materials for building the membranes of every cell in your body, including your bones, nerves and brain! The micronutrients keep your body cells healthy and functioning properly.
You would be malnourished and become sickly or prone to infections if you do not have fats and oils in your diet. The same result will happen if you lack foods that supply carbohydrates, protein, minerals and other vitamins. The best way to meet all your nutritional needs is to follow the Food Guide Pyramid - the lower the food group on the pyramid, the more of it you should eat.
Palm oil is very rich in calories. One gram of palm oil supplies 9 Kcal of energy, which is 2 ½ times more than one gram of protein (4 Kcal) or carbohydrates (4 Kcal).
Energy should come from all groups of food, including fats and oils. Experts calculate that ordinary adults need between 1,800 Kcal to 2,000 Kcal per day, out of which up to 30% can be obtained from fats and oils.
