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PPDCI Explains Palm Oil Benefits To Health and Environment
PPDCI Explains Palm Oil Benefits To Health and Environment
01/05/2013 (Philippine Information Agency) - The Philippine Palm Oil Development Council Inc. (PPDCI) discussed the economic progress brought about by planting and exporting palm oil and its health and environmental benefits in the recently concluded 8th National Palm Oil Congress here.
Dr. Pablito P. Pamplona of PPDCI answered some concerns regarding the effect of palm oil plantations in the environment.
He said as opposed to the belief that palm oil causes floods during the rainy season, the truth is, it adds more life to the earth and makes the environment healthier, livable and sustainable.
A study shows that it reduces daily temperature fluctuation and maintains high relative humidity. It also helps mitigate climate change through high biomass production and storage of high amounts of carbon dioxide in the soil, higher than those of trees in virgin forests.
Pamplona said all the parts of a palm tree are useful, the oil for cooking, oleochemicals and biofuel, among others. Parts for non-food are sources of energy, organic fertilizers and biofuel-possibly the future replacement of petroleum oil.
In terms of health benefits, palm oil is high in carotene and vitamin A which can help maintain good eyesight and reduce night blindness among children; it also contains substances which reduces obesity among men and children and promote skin whitening among women. It is also free of cholesterol; high in phenolic compounds such as those found in red wine and contains almost all the beneficial features found in olive oil but at a much more affordable price.
PPDCI said there is a very high current and projected future demand for palm oil in the emerging markets of China, India, Pakistan, United States of America, Europe and other countries.
In the country, there is an increased domestic demand in palm oil, largely imported now at P6.68 billion which is projected to increase to P27.26 billion in 2022.
Dr. Pablito P. Pamplona of PPDCI answered some concerns regarding the effect of palm oil plantations in the environment.
He said as opposed to the belief that palm oil causes floods during the rainy season, the truth is, it adds more life to the earth and makes the environment healthier, livable and sustainable.
A study shows that it reduces daily temperature fluctuation and maintains high relative humidity. It also helps mitigate climate change through high biomass production and storage of high amounts of carbon dioxide in the soil, higher than those of trees in virgin forests.
Pamplona said all the parts of a palm tree are useful, the oil for cooking, oleochemicals and biofuel, among others. Parts for non-food are sources of energy, organic fertilizers and biofuel-possibly the future replacement of petroleum oil.
In terms of health benefits, palm oil is high in carotene and vitamin A which can help maintain good eyesight and reduce night blindness among children; it also contains substances which reduces obesity among men and children and promote skin whitening among women. It is also free of cholesterol; high in phenolic compounds such as those found in red wine and contains almost all the beneficial features found in olive oil but at a much more affordable price.
PPDCI said there is a very high current and projected future demand for palm oil in the emerging markets of China, India, Pakistan, United States of America, Europe and other countries.
In the country, there is an increased domestic demand in palm oil, largely imported now at P6.68 billion which is projected to increase to P27.26 billion in 2022.