How Palm Oil, If Taken in Moderation, Can Be Beneficial for Health
28/05/2024 (News18) - The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), in collaboration with the National Institute of Nutrition, has recently released the dietary guidelines for the year 2024. According to a study conducted by ICMR, moderate consumption of palm oil can reduce blood cholesterol levels. The new dietary guidelines were issued with the aim to empower the citizens of the country with proper knowledge of nutrition. These guidelines will surely help people to make correct food choices. Palm is often said to be harmful for the human body. But do you know that this controversial vegetable oil also has some health benefits, if consumed in moderation? Let us know about the health benefits from nutritionist G Sushma.
Palm oil is generally considered harmful as it contains saturated fats, which can raise the bad cholesterol level in our body. But it also has some health benefits. It contains healthy monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats. Adding to this, Palm oil also contains Vitamin A and Vitamin E, which are essential components to maintain our body’s immunity system. It also contains antioxidants, which help us to maintain proper skin health and also address various health issues.
Palm oil also has a unique ability to raise good cholesterol levels in our blood. This phenomenon helps to reduce LDL (bad cholesterol), while reducing the risk of heart problems. Excessive intake of any kind of oil can be harmful to the human body and it is the same in this case too. Excessive intake of Palm oil can increase the level of saturated fats in our body resulting in heart issues.
Instead of consuming a large amount of Palm oil, incorporate nutrient-rich food in your daily diet chart to stay healthy. You can use palm oil for cooking items that are usually cooked in low heat. Using palm oil to fry items can be harmful. Mixing palm oil with olive oil or Canola oil can be a healthier option. It is always advised to choose Palm oils that are certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).