Its almost impossible to discuss palm kernel oil without talking about palm oil but the two should not be mistaken for each other. Palm oil (or red palm oil) is derived from the palm fruit - the yellowish red part seen in the picture above while palm kernel oil is derived from the kernel - the whitish part seen in the middle. The major difference between palm oil and palm kernel oil is the fatty acid compositions. Palm oil contains about 50% saturated fat, 40% monounsaturated fat and 10% polyunsaturated fat, while palm kernel oil contains about 82% saturated fat, 15% monounsaturated fat and 2% polyunsaturated fat. Personally, if asked to choose one for consumption, I will choose palm oil. Surprised? This are the reasons for my choice....
Several researches have shown that saturated fats can increase the cholesterol levels in the blood and this can increase the risk of heart diseases and type 2 diabetes. Unsaturated fats on the other hand reduces the risk of heart diseases, helps with blood sugar control and also benefits insulin levels. This is especially helpful for those people with type 2 diabetes. Palm kernel oil has a much higher level of saturated fats than palm oil so you see the reason for my choice. Here is another reason. Both saturated and unsaturated fats are required by the body but it is mostly recommended that no more than 25-35% of our daily calorific intake should come from fat of which only 7-10% should come from saturated fat. It is important to note however that both oils in its ordinary self are cholesterol free, but high concentration of saturated fats in any product has the ability to raise blood cholesterol levels.
The benefits of palm oil and palm kernel oil are numerous. Palm kernel oil is usually used during delivery by midwives to prevent body odor and to keep the child's skin shinning. Many mothers also use it as body oils for their children to keep their skin healthy and prevent skin and diaper rash. Palm kernel oil also contains tocotrienol, a powerful antioxidant and a good source of vitamin E which helps to inhibit the growth of cancer cells, inhibit blood clot formation in the blood stream, reduce the risk of stroke, protect the skin from aging and protect the heart from plague formation. Palm kernel oil also helps to keep the hair healthy,by acting as a moisturizer and it has a long shelf life.
Palm oil also helps to prevent the skin from aging because it contains the highest quality of tocotrienol (see the benefits of tocotrienol above). It also contains carotenoids, a good source of vitamin A for the hair and eyes. Palm oil is also used in moisturizers, lotions, hair products and foundations because it helps to moisturize the hair and body and it keeps the skin soft. It helps to nourish the root and scalp and replace lost oil to the hair. Palm oil contains healthy unsaturated fats and zero trans fats and there fore it promotes heart health. There are also claims that palm oil can be used to reduce weight, increase the body's metabolism and reverse cyanide poisoning but I did not find enough evidence to back this up.
Lovely writeup. If I was asked prior to reading this, which one had the more saturated fats, I would've chosen palm oil as the less healthy choice simply based on the redness. But after reading this educative article it's obvious that appearances can indeed be deceiving. Once again, lovely article. Please keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot. The redness is actually a good thing. It means that it contains important antioxidants like lycopene and carotenoids which is very good for the body.
DeleteThanks a lot. The redness is actually a good thing. It means that it contains important antioxidants like lycopene and carotenoids which is very good for the body.
ReplyDeleteThis is a good one Nana. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot.
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