Friday 27 November 2020

Let’s Quash The Myths Of Palm Oil...

Now days I am more aware about my eating habits as I am making a transit to a healthy lifestyle. I am not just understanding what I am cooking and eating but where and how my food is grown. When I go grocery shopping I look for the labels and try to distinguish between organic, chemical free......etc.

Lastly I have been cautious about Palm Oil. Are you wondering what is palm oil ???. Then do check my detailed post on Uses and Benefits of Palm Oil. We need to know about it. I was so confused with the controversy about Palm oil. It is bad or good ? But now I am totally on the side of good when the myths were debunked by the industry expert Mrs. Bhavna Shah in the webcast organised by The Malaysian Palm Oil Council. She created awareness about Palm Oil by debunking some common myths. 

Myth 1: Palm oil is only produced on large-scale plantations.

Facts 1

Oil palm trees grow on both large-scale and small-scale plantations. About 40% of the palm oil production is undertaken by smallholders worldwide. Especially in Malaysia palm oil significantly contributes to poverty reduction and economic growth.

Myth 2: Palm oil is responsible for worldwide deforestation.

Facts 2

According to National Geographic, forests cover about 30% of our planet’s and deforestation can both be human and naturally driven. Livestock ranching, agriculture expansion, logging, paper production, mining, urban sprawl, wildfire and climate change are among the contributors. The global share of oil palm trees which caused deforestation as per the European Commission shows only 2.3%. 

Myth 3: Palm oil is only used in foods.

Facts 3 

The versatility of palm oil certainly goes beyond edible oil. It is used as a very important natural ingredient in almost all the inedible products such as lipstick, cosmetics, candles, soap, shampoo, detergent, biodiesel etc. 

Myth 4: Palm oil is bad for frying.

Fact 4

Palm oil boasts a high smoke point of 235°C, making it stable and suitable for frying or even baking. The balanced palm oil is also resistant to oxidation compared to high-polyunsaturated vegetable oils.

Myth 5: Palm oil is unhealthy

Facts 5

Palm oil provides a multitude of health benefits. It is a cholesterol-free and trans-fat-free vegetable oil with a composition of 50% saturated and 50% unsaturated fatty acids. Its naturally reddish-orange oil filled with high beta-carotene content  and natural dietary supply of vitamin A & E. This helps to prevent chronic diseases and supports brain health. 

It is very important to educate ourselves than to follow the myths. 

MPOC - Malaysian Palm Oil Council is basically an organisation which promotes the use of Palm Oil. For more details visit their website on https://www.mpoc.org.in





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