Palm oil is one of the most controversial oils in existence. This is because it has been at the center of many debates over the years. Many scientists argue that though palm oil has numerous health benefits, its production method is harmful to the environment. This argument is the same argument about coconut oil, and we all know how beneficial that is to humans. Palm oil is created from the palm tree, which also produces the palm fruit. When palm oil gets produced by farmers or producers who practice positive environmental practices, it is very healthy and contains numerous benefits. Today we will be exploring the health benefits of palm oil and reasons you should add to your diet and make it your preferred oil of choice.
5 Health Benefits of Palm Oil
Palm oil not only makes food tastier and gives it a more excellent flavor, but it is loaded with numerous health benefits too. Most people choose foods, oils, and vegetables to add to their diet based on the nutrients or health benefits they can get from them. Here are five significant health benefits of palm oil, which will show you why you should make palm oil a staple in your diet.
1. Increases Vitamin A in the body
Some studies show that palm oil helps to increase levels of vitamin A in the body. Palm oil is a good source of beta-carotene, a carotenoid converted to vitamin A in the body. It is especially useful for pregnant women and people who suffer from vitamin A deficiency. It is also proven to help women with cystic fibrosis.
2. Helps to reduce stress
Free radicals build up in the body and lead to stress, inflammation, and cell damage. Palm oil helps to reduce the number of free radicals in the body by acting as a free radical and neutralizing them. This helps to prevent damage to cells and reduce stress. A 2013 animal study on animals showed that palm oil causes improvement in kidney dysfunction and fibrosis in diabetic patients.
3. Improves brain health
Palm oil contains tocotrienols, a type of vitamin E that releases antioxidants that improve brain health. Some studies show that palm oil slows dementia and reduces brain lesions in the brain. Studies also show that palm oil prevents stroke and protects the brain from brain lesions. Palm oil also boosts cognitive function and improves memory and focus.
4. Reduces cholesterol levels
Some studies show that palm oil reduces the LDL level in the blood, which is the bad cholesterol in the blood. This prevents the arteries from getting clogged and helps maintain the amount of good cholesterol in the body. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition shows that palm oil caused a 13.1% decrease in LDL cholesterol and a 6.7% decrease in triglyceride levels in those with normal cholesterol levels.
5. Improves heart health
Palm oil protects the body form LDL, the bad cholesterol that clogs up the blood and arteries in humans. This helps improve heart health and protect the heart from diseases like stroke, heart attacks, and arrhythmias. A 1995 study on palm oil also showed that it helps reduce the progression of heart disease in people with heart disease.
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