Is palm oil healthy?
On One Hand: Health BenefitsAccording to the American Palm Oil Council, palm oil is cholesterol free, trans-fat free and requires no hydrogenation. It is odorless and tasteless, rich in antioxidants and increases HDL, or “good” cholesterol, to promote cardiovascular health. It is also known to be a rich source of antioxidants and beta-carotene.On the Other: Negative EffectsIn April 2009, the United States Department of Agriculture published findings suggesting that diets enriched with palm oil would result in high levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein, and that it was not a healthy substitute for trans-fats. Others maintain that the good qualities of palm oil are destroyed when it is processed for consumption in baked goods. Still others question the health effects on rainforest and wildlife where the palm trees are cultivated.Bottom LineMost health care professionals agree that hydrogenated oils are unhealthy for human consumption.
