Palm oil: benefits and harms to the body

Statistics show that palm oil is the most common in the Russian market. It is used in large quantities for industrial purposes - in the manufacture of sweets, milk and many other products.

What palm oil is made of

This type of raw material began to be used since ancient times. The earliest mention is recorded about 5000 years ago. The basis is the fruit of the oil palm, which grows in African countries. The processing process at enterprises and bringing to readiness includes the following stages:

1. Transportation of fresh fruit for processing. This should take no more than a day, otherwise the oil will turn out not the best quality.
2. Purification of garbage, various insects, steam sterilization.
3. Threshing.
4. Separation of oil from pulp by pressing.
5. Flushing from various impurities.
6. Regulatory refining.

Before the final step, the oil has a red-orange hue. Only after final processing does it get the usual color.

Kinds

The product is divided into three main types, depending on its composition and properties:

1. The first type has a pronounced red pigment, indicating a high content of carotene, as, for example, in tomatoes. In the production process, soft spin is used, which allows you to save useful components in the composition. It has a sweet taste and a pleasant smell. According to doctors, this is the most useful palm oil.
2. Refined and deodorized oils have a completely different technology. Such a product is suitable for the food industry. They completely lack color and smell. There are very few useful substances in the composition.
3. Chemical raw materials. Oil with a minimum level of purification is used in the production of household chemicals, cosmetics, etc. It is unsuitable for human consumption, since it contains oxidized fats harmful to the body. It is the cheapest type for cost.

Some experts say that recently it has been added more often to foods. Thus, manufacturers reduce the cost of goods, therefore, receive more profit. Therefore, caution should be taken with palm oil in the composition.

What is the difference between coconut oil and palm oil

Coconut itself is considered a very healthy fruit. Production takes place across the country, as it costs cheaply and the quality of the final product remains high. The finished product is used for frying, for cosmetic purposes, for the manufacture of food products. According to its beneficial properties, coconut oil prevails over palm oil.

By consistency, coconut production has a thick, colorless liquid state. As soon as the temperature drops, it hardens and becomes white. As for palm fruits, they have an unpleasant odor and a red-orange tint.

Composition and calorie content

Per 100 g of palm oil accounts for 899 kcal. The composition contains both saturated and unsaturated fats. The redder the shade of the product, the higher its beta-carotene content. In addition, the composition includes a large number of vitamins from categories A to E.It also contains various acids, such as lauric and palmitoleic, and phosphorus.

In general, if we make a conclusion about the composition, we can say that the oil:

• does not contain cholesterol (allowed for use by people with heart and vascular problems);
• thanks to vitamins stimulates the brain;
• allows you to saturate the body with energy due to the high calorie content;
• has enough saturated fats.

What is useful palm oil

General benefit

Due to the huge amount of vitamins in the composition, the work of the heart and blood vessels improves. Some doctors recommend using this product for preventive purposes. This will reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other inflammatory diseases.

The body is saturated with complete trace elements, including vitamin A. Therefore, palm oil is recommended for people with vision problems. The pressure inside the eyes returns to normal, and blood supply improves. In recent years, the demand for office employees has increased. Their duties include regular work with the computer, which causes retinal fatigue syndrome. To avoid the consequences, you should include palm oil in your regular diet.

The gastrointestinal tract becomes inflamed due to the aggressive elements that enter the food. Restore normal bowel function will help the development of palm fruits. Experts advise oil in diseases such as biliary dyskinesia, ulcers, gastritis, etc.

On a note! The presence of diabetes or obesity is not a reason to give up sweets. Diabetic foods containing palm extract are good to eat.

In a crazy rhythm of life there is a big load on the nervous system. To relieve stress, unload emotionally, doctors recommend eating oil regularly. Brain performance improves significantly.

In cities with poor environmental conditions, it is difficult to maintain immunity. Since palm fruits contain a huge amount of vitamins, this allows you to saturate the body with all the necessary trace elements for the prevention of colds and infectious diseases.

For women

As for the female body, the fairer sex has its own reasons to consume the palm fruit squeeze. It contains one of the most important vitamins for girls - A and E. It also contains a large amount of unsaturated fats that have a beneficial effect on the reproductive system. The oil helps maintain normal hormonal balance by preventing women from getting very nervous during critical days. In addition, doctors advise him to use for the prevention of various uterine diseases and inflammatory processes in the chest. With serious diagnoses, oil swabs can help.

If you eat this product regularly, you can avoid osteoporosis, diseases of the ligaments and joints. It is enough to include it in your diet after 30 years.

For men

Palm oil will allow men to have more energy in adulthood. Young guys are ready to do what they love day and night. Thirty or forty years is no reason to give up activity. A huge amount of triglycerin in the composition is responsible for a surge of strength. Athletes, powerlifters and bodybuilders can safely replace the usual sunflower product with a palm one.

During pregnancy

During the period of carrying the baby, doctors advise taking red oil for a tablespoon a day. This for 9 months allows you to avoid problems with the formation of the muscular system of the child. Also during this period, women are most susceptible to infectious diseases. The vitamins in the composition will help maintain immunity and protect the body from aggressors.

When breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a very sensitive and exciting process. Therefore, food must be selected with extreme caution. During feeding, the skin on the nipples is often damaged.Palm oil has a positive effect on cracks and wounds, accelerating their healing and preventing infection. It will help the baby in the formation of teeth, bones and joints.

For kids

Spin fruit is used in baby food. In order for the child to develop and grow correctly, his body must be saturated with nutrients. Doctors prescribe vegetable fat for babies from 6 months of age, since it contains beta-carotene. In the process of growing up, the dose increases. Another important component for growth is palmitic acid. She is responsible for natural development.

Few people know that in infant formulas it is forbidden to use pure oil in the composition. Only this acid is added to the children's diet. Ongoing medical studies have proven its safety for the body. Therefore, what young mothers are told about the negative impact is a myth. This food supplement does not cause allergic reactions, which is important for the child. The main rule is to limit the amount of consumption. Too much can lead to bad consequences. This does not mean that palm fat is dangerous. Any product is useful only if applied in moderation.

When losing weight

Slimming oil is a matter that experts have been debating for a long time. Someone says that a beautiful figure and high-calorie foods are not compatible. Someone, on the contrary, is trying to prove that vegetable fats are the best natural source of vitamins and nutrients.

An important role is played by the quantity of food eaten and their quality. So, for example, nutritionists say that if 80% of the diet is properly cooked, healthy food, then candy with palm oil in the composition does not harm.

It is important to be aware that in large quantities fat is very harmful not only for the figure, but also for health in general. Therefore, you need to dose its amount in the diet. Properly calculated consumption will allow you to saturate the body with vitamins. Since oil has a high calorie content, a feeling of fullness quickly arises from it. This allows you to make meals less often.

Some nutritionists recommend consuming it in the amount of one or two teaspoons on an empty stomach per day. This will help prepare the walls of the gastrointestinal tract for eating.

The use of palm oil in folk medicine

This oil is useful not only for eating. Many doctors use it for certain procedures.

1. Dentists make a solution that is applied to gauze wipes. The impregnated material is applied to inflammation. He relieves swelling in a short time.
2. Proctologists soak swabs with oil that are used to treat anal fissures or hemorrhoids. Also, the extract is suitable for cleansing with microclysters.
3. In skin centers, lotions are used to heal burns and pressure sores. They also treat the mild stage of psoriasis, acne and other dermatological diseases. The oil is able to relieve pain from cuts and wounds, so you can use it even at home.

Red palm oil is an expensive product. But it is it that has the largest number of useful properties, compared with other species. Therefore, in folk medicine, it can often be found in medicinal formulations. For each disease, there are recipes that grandmothers pass on to their grandchildren.

Note! Regardless of the type of mixture, it is not recommended to heat it. Otherwise, all the useful functions can turn into negative ones.

1. With a disease such as gout, you can prepare a life-giving ointment. This will require lemon, grape seeds, lavender and pine juice, and, of course, palm fat. Mix everything and apply to damaged limbs.
2. With arthritis, a different composition will help. These include oil, lavender, lemon and pine juice. Rub the mixture into the problem joints with massaging movements.
3. Burns or cuts can be quickly healed with folk remedies. Apart from palm fat, nothing is needed. It is enough to apply it regularly to wounds.This will accelerate the restoration of the skin.
4. With dermatological diseases at an early stage, a mixture of oil with birch tar and finely chopped walnut will help. It is necessary to apply this composition to the skin at least twice a day.
5. You can only heat fat in this recipe. It must be brought to a hot melted state and applied to the nipples during lactation. These measures will prevent cracks.
6. Not for nothing palm oil is used in dentistry. It perfectly removes inflammation and swelling. It is enough to moisten gauze with them and make compresses.
7. With such a diagnosis as cervical erosion, it is imperative that the doctor's recommendations be followed. In addition, women may resort to supportive care. A swab dipped in slightly warm oil is perfect. This will help relieve discomfort and discomfort.

Palm oil in cosmetology

In addition to the beneficial properties when eaten, the fat of palm fruits has a very good effect on the skin. A large number of women use this product in their daily care. This allows you to overcome vitamin deficiency, dermatological damage, moisturize, saturate with vitamins, remove peeling and itching. As mentioned above, poorly refined third type of oil is used in cosmetics. It completely retains its natural composition, but is unsuitable for food. In pharmacies, you can often find two types of goods - from seeds and from pulp. You can use both varieties, they have almost the same properties for the skin.

Face benefit

The composition of the oil is completely natural, which is why it is so much appreciated in women's circles. Vitamins such as A and E are important not only for the internal system, but also for a healthy appearance in general. They have a positive effect on the condition of the skin, nails and hair. But why buy expensive complexes, if all this can be found in a cheap, and most importantly, natural, product. Vegetable masks are far behind in their usefulness.

For the condition of the face, a high moisture content in the cells is very important. To do this, it is necessary to saturate the body with the appropriate trace elements. Palm oil contains a rare component that can only be found in expensive care products. This is Q10. It allows for a long time to maintain youthful skin, make it supple and “lively”.

Also important vitamins for facial beauty include K and D. The first of them is responsible for the removal of various kinds of inflammation and irritation. After cosmetic peeling, specialists apply a composition to restore the upper layer. There must be vitamin K.

Palm oil is actively used to make masks to fill cells with unsaturated fats. This allows you to reduce sensitivity and irritability to external factors, removes dryness and peeling, and has a regenerative effect. And all this for little money. Those who really want to save money can buy a small bottle in a pharmacy and make masks at home.

How to apply

Palm oil can be used both in liquid and in solid form. Mixing it with other components is optional. It in itself has excellent properties.

No need to wait until any skin problems occur. It is enough to carry a small bottle. As soon as there is a feeling of dryness and tightness, you can apply fat on the face. This tool must be at hand in the heat or extreme cold.

If you do not want to walk with an oily face during the day, you can apply it at night. Do not forget that the consistency does not allow to be quickly absorbed, so it will be necessary to wait until it dries completely after application. If the skin is in good condition, but there are areas with peeling, you can periodically lubricate them.

When using the usual creams or lotions, you can add a couple drops of oil to the composition before applying. In some cases, female representatives may experience tightness.Then this method does not suit them, and only baby cream can be mixed with fat. Few people know, but the palm product foams well, so you can use it to make homemade natural soap.

A big plus of this oil is that all the vitamins in the composition have one hundred percent digestibility in the body. It is a rarity. If you take into account other rich foods, most often a person is able to use only half of the beneficial elements. Vitamins of the subgroup E are responsible for moisturizing and protective functions of the skin. They serve as a kind of block from any hormonal changes or ultraviolet rays.

A popular problem among women of mature age is the loss of softness and firmness of the skin of the face. In this case, palm oil can be used instead of a night cream. Regular use will soften rough areas.

Fat can also be added to a variety of homemade masks. If it is in a hardened state, it must first be melted by steam. The approximate temperature is 55 degrees.

Palm oil is a fairly strong product in itself. To increase the effect of the application, you can mix it with coconut and olive. This mixture can be worn in a purse with strong winds to lubricate peeling. For oily skin type, the recipe will not work.

Popular recipes for the face

Those who are even a little versed in the composition of cosmetics, primarily pay attention to the oil content in the composition. In order not to waste time looking for a suitable cream for care, you can make it at home.

1. Experts recommend using anti-aging components only after 35 years. For a home remedy, palm fat is required. It is heated by steam at a temperature of 55 degrees and applied with a thin layer on the skin of the face. This will help prevent wrinkles. If you want to make them less noticeable, add vegetable and essential oils to the solution. They take away the depth.
2. In addition to the palm fruit extract, lavender and raw protein are added to the mask for elasticity.
3. If the skin is in good condition, it must be maintained. This can be done with a shock dose of vitamins. Freshly squeezed fruit juice, wheat flour and oil are used for the mixture. Such a mixture will saturate the face with useful trace elements and create a regenerating layer.
4. This recipe is suitable only for people who do not have an allergic reaction to mustard powder. The composition includes dry mustard, palm extract and boiled water. In order to avoid irritation, it is recommended to keep the mask for no more than 5 minutes. After it, experts advise softening the skin with a baby cream.

Skin cleansing

In addition to the nutritional effects, the face must be cleaned regularly. To do this, there are two recipes with oil in the composition.

1. Heat the fat for a couple to a temperature of about 55 degrees, moisten a cotton pad and wipe your face (like lotion).
2. Drop a small amount of the extract into the palm of your hand, apply on the face and rub in with massage movements.

Since palm oil is excellent soap, it replaces cleansers, while moisturizing and nourishing the skin.

When the skin is too sensitive, and pure cosmetic fat can cause discomfort, in this case it is recommended to add a couple of drops to the finished mask or foam for washing and use in the usual way.

Harm and contraindications

Palm oil has many useful properties, but only if properly manufactured. If technology was broken during the spin cycle, the finished product can cause health problems.

Another significant factor is how much fat is contained in food. In a small volume, palmitic acid (the main component) does not cause cholesterol formation. But if you increase the portion, then an excess of oil can lead to an increase in its level.

Linoleic acid is the second important component. By itself, it is very useful for the body, since it significantly reduces the same cholesterol. The problem is that this type of acid is not contained in oil in sufficient quantities.With large volumes, it simply can not cope.

This can be solved by introducing into the diet products that will maintain balance. For example, cedar oil. But it is not profitable for people with a small income to buy two products that replace each other.

Heart and blood vessels

First of all, from an excess of cholesterol, the risk of cardiovascular disease increases. In countries where palm oil-rich foods are common, statistically a large percentage of mortality is attributable to heart disease.

With an excessive amount in the body, cholesterol clogs the blood vessels, which contributes to the formation of plaques. They do not allow blood to circulate normally. The pressure jumps up, thereby less oxygen enters the cells. When such problems arise, the human body is not able to cope with aggressors on its own. Only medical intervention will help.

Digestive system and more

With violations of palm oil manufacturing technology, it becomes dangerous for the gastrointestinal tract. Digestive difficulties may occur. The body cannot completely break down the components, turning them into toxins and toxins.

One of the most serious negative consequences is the risk of developing cancer. Of course, these are consequences not only of increased fat intake. All saturated components push this type of disease to occur. Therefore, it is important to monitor the amount eaten and the composition of the products.

It is important to understand that a negative effect on health cannot be noticed immediately from one eaten candy. The effect accumulates over the years. The pressure rises slowly, and the desire to eat trans-fat-free foods decreases, as addictive flavoring enhancers are added to them. The emotional system is gradually shaken. But due to the high workload, people do not attach any importance to this.

Danger to children

Not only adults suffer from poor-quality palm oil, but also kids. This is one of the most popular components in baby food. From birth, there is a process of formation of the whole organism, joints, muscles, skeleton. Therefore, negative effects can affect the growth and development of the child.

The first element that a baby needs so much for teeth and bones is calcium. Doctors say that palm fat removes it from the body and prevents digestion. After the research, scientists found that in the body of a child who does not consume oil, calcium is 50–75% more.

The child has a very sensitive digestive system. She is not able to absorb heavy foods. Fat slows down the digestion of other components of infant formulas, among which there are very important elements for the baby’s health.

Due to the fact that parts of food remain in a weak body, colic, pain, and bloating can occur.

Environmental damage

Palm oil is dangerous not only for the person who uses it in products. It is harmful to the environment. It is not the finished product that negatively affects nature, but the production process itself. For mass production, companies are cutting down vast areas of rainforest to make way for plantations. Because of this, the population of many plants and trees is declining. This affects animals seeking refuge in their usual habitat, but finding only palm trees. They have nowhere to hide from predators, build houses. Therefore, some species are on the verge of extinction.

In addition, there is a danger of production for employees who produce oil pressing and pressing. Since management is trying to reduce the cost of the finished product, it employs refugee people from other countries.They work for a penny in terrible conditions with complete unsanitary conditions. It is worth noting that the manufacturing process is injurious to workers. And since they work without special protective clothing, the risk of disability increases.

How to store

So that the oil does not lose its beneficial properties, it is important to store it correctly. To do this, you should choose a cool place without direct sunlight and moisture. At a temperature of +18 degrees, the fat will turn into a solid state. At the same time, he does not lose his functions. If necessary, it can be heated for a couple.

What foods contain palm oil

Palm oil is widely used in food production:

1. Ice cream. In summer, just an indispensable treat that both adults and children love. Manufacturers usually do not hide the content of palmitic acid in the composition.
2. Vegetable and butter. Palm oils are often added to cheap foods. Therefore, you can not save. Remember that first of all your health suffers from this.
3. Milk. Who would have thought, but such butter is almost always added to cottage cheese, sour cream, kefir of budget brands.
4. Chocolate. This sweetness is most fond of manufacturers. Making from natural cocoa beans is a costly pleasure. Therefore, if there is a “milk tile” on the counter for 30 rubles, it is oversaturated with palmitic acid.

Why add

What are the benefits of adding palm oil to food manufacturers?

1. Cost is reduced. To make manufacturing less costly and, accordingly, higher profit margins, managers prefer to use cheap low-quality raw materials.
2. Transportation does not cause any difficulties. Fat is transported in solidified solid form, and is already melted and added at the production site.
3. The oil has a long shelf life, respectively, increases the storage time. This plays a large role in the manufacture of dairy products, as they fall into the category of perishable.
4. Vegetable fat does not oxidize.
5. Palm extract has a pleasant taste. The downside is that with prolonged use, a person gets used to it and can no longer refuse this taste.

How to determine the presence of palm oil in the product

Conscientious manufacturers always indicate the content of this component in the composition on the package. Legislation also stipulates this clause. But some still manage to hide this fact from the eyes of consumers. This is done by masking the wording. For example, instead of palmitic acid, a component such as vegetable fat may be indicated. Most often, the trick is used by baby food brands, as many young mothers do not want to buy products with this component.

Such names as “sour cream”, “spread”, etc. began to appear in stores. Under them lies an unclean composition. But they are in demand, so they are a budget replacement for expensive goods.

It happens that manufacturers violate the law by not indicating the entire composition on the package. If such a suspicion arises, you should immediately pay attention to the cost. Cheap dairy products simply do not exist. Their manufacture in itself is very expensive. The second important point is the expiration date. Since palm oil can be stored for a long time, this increases circulation.

Due to more frequent complaints, from the next year, according to the legislation, manufacturers will have to paint the full composition of vegetable fats. In the meantime, the most reliable guarantee is the GOST mark.

How to distinguish butter from palm oil

It is worthwhile to immediately determine that palm extract is a component of butter. In 80% of cases, it is added in the manufacture of spreads, margarines, etc. Most often, you can find fake products.They have a similar consonant name and packaging with a well-known company. People in a hurry do not notice the difference.

When buying cream products, first of all, you need to pay attention to the price. To understand: to make a kilogram natural briquette, you need about 20 liters of fat milk. Consequently, manufacturers will not work for themselves "in the red" and set a low cost on the goods.

It is recommended to make a purchase only with the GOST mark. This means that all the necessary standards are observed, there will be no harm to health.

There is one popular way to check if the composition is lying on the packaging. It is necessary to put the briquette in the freezer for 3-4 hours. The natural product will not work, it will crumble.

Interesting facts about palm oil

People know very little about the palm fruit extract. For further development, it is worth exploring the sad facts that will make you think:

1. One tablespoon contains 55% of the daily intake of saturated fats for humans.
2. Every hour for palm plantations, an area of ​​forests equal to 300 football fields is cut down.
3. One third of extinct animal species in Indonesia have disappeared due to massive felling.
4. In remote areas of Malaysia, children work in oil production.
5. According to statistics, 110,000 people die every year due to smoke pollution of the air after burning fields for future plantations.

Photo palm oil