BOSTON – The world’s most prominent medical school, Harvard Medical School, based in Boston, the United States of America (USA), has finally recognized the benefits of palm oil to human health. If it is not exposed to hydrogenation process, the palm oil contains less saturated fat and does not contain trans fat.

The Harvard Medical School stated that palm oil as an edible oil is healthier than other vegetables, which contain higher levels of trans fat. It is especially the case if compared to butter (animal edible oil).

The surprising confession was revealed in the Harvard Health Publication, which was authored by Prof. Celeste Robb-Nicholson as a contributor and reviewed by Dr. Howard E. LeWine as Chief Medical Editor of Harvard Health Publishing.

“So far, palm oil and palm kernel oil have gotten a bad reputation because they are thought to contain high levels of saturated fat. This saturated fat is often attributed to heart disease,” said Robb-Nicholson. Saturated fat, if consumed, will increase LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglyceride levels.

According to Robb, in recent years Harvard Medical School has studied the characteristics of various fats and their impact on health. What is not recommended for consumption is trans fat, which can increase bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, and reduce levels of good cholesterol (HDL).

“Where do the trans fats come from? Most of them come from the process of hydrogenation. Foods that are partially hydrogenated, such as toast and snacks and heated foods (fast food), are the main sources of trans fats,” he said.

As palm oil does not undergo a hydrogenation process, it does not contain any trans fats at all. (*) Source: sawitkita.id