In the food industry, oils like palm and soybean oil are considered alternatives to trans fats. Palm oil, in particular, is gaining attention as a prominent plant-based fuel amidst the current energy crisis. However, its production has sparked environmental concerns and criticism from various groups and institutions, leading to ongoing debates about palm oil production.
The All-Purpose Oil: Palm Oil
Palm oil, the most widely used vegetable oil, is extracted from the fruit of oil palms, which are about the size of a large walnut. This fruit is harvested in bunches, separated, and then peeled for use. Each fruit contains about 30-35% oil, extracted through hot pressing to produce palm oil.
Popular in the Food Industry
Palm oil is the second most popular after soybean oil, making up nearly 30% of the world’s oil and fat consumption. Oil palm trees can produce about 88 lbs (40 kg) of oil annually over a 30-year lifespan, and it is cheaper than other vegetable oils due to its high yield. It also withstands cooking well and is stable at room temperature, making it popular in the food industry.
What Foods Contain Palm Oil?
Palm oil is used in frying ramen, snacks, and instant coffee creamers. In South Korea, it is used as a substitute for cocoa butter in chocolate production. It is also used in margarine and shortening as a raw material for soap and chemicals.
The Main Culprit of Environmental Damage
Over the past 20 years, as the demand for palm oil has significantly increased, producing countries have expanded their palm oil plantation areas. About 29.65 million acres (12 million hectares) of land are covered with oil palm trees, about a third of the size of Germany. However, millions of acres of forests are being destroyed to accommodate these plantations, making palm oil production a major culprit in environmental damage.
Unrefined Palm Oil VS Refined Palm Oil
Unrefined palm oil is crude oil directly pressed from the palm plant. It is dark in color and is mainly used in traditional cooking in West African countries like Nigeria. On the other hand, refined palm oil goes through various processing stages to give it a neutral color and flavor. It is primarily used in food manufacturing and for frying mass-produced food.
Is There Any Health Benefits?
Red palm oil, which retains the unique color of the palm fruit, is rich in carotenes and Vitamin E. Carotenes are converted into Vitamin A in the body, making it excellent for skin beauty and anti-aging. It also effectively locks in skin moisture and has excellent absorption, making it popular in cosmetics.
Anti-Inflammatory and Antibacterial Effects
Palm oil is excellent not only in its beauty aspects but also in skin treatments. Palm oil, which contains palmitic acid, has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It suppresses acne-causing bacteria and bacteria that cause atopic dermatitis. It is perfect for sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, or atopic dermatitis.
Concerns Over Increased Cholesterol Levels
However, palm oil is not healthy. Despite being a vegetable oil, it contains nearly 50% saturated fat, posing a risk of increasing bad cholesterol and blood clots. Consumers should check the ingredients, as they may contain genetically modified organisms.
Characterized by High Saturated Fat Content and Resistance to Rancidity
Palm oil produces ten times the amount of other vegetable oils per unit of cultivation area among edible oils. Not only is it cheap, but its high saturated fat content makes it resistant to rancidity, making it ideal for fried dishes and preserving foods.
Is a Complete Ban on Production the Answer?
A complete ban on palm oil due to environmental damage is impractical, as there is no equivalent substitute for palm oil. The solution lies in sustainable production practices that avoid deforestation, involving collaboration with governments, producers, and other stakeholders for a sustainable future.
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