Publication

What Scientific Facts Show About Palm Oil and Cholesterol?

2 menit baca

There are still many misconceptions about palm oil. One of them is concerned with a claim that palm oil contains cholesterol and cause heart disease. But in reality it is otherwise.

See the following explanation to find out the scientific facts about palm oil and its relationship with cholesterol and the health of human heart.

Myths among the general public have it that palm oil contains cholesterol and consuming palm oil can increase cholesterol content in blood that will in turn trigger heart disease. However, the claim has no strong scientific basis.

As a matter of fact, palm oil does not contain cholesterol. The cholesterol is only found in animal products, while palm oil is derived from plants. Unlike animal fats which have a high content of cholesterol, the oil from plants, including oil palm, is naturally free from cholesterol.

Actually, there are two kinds of cholesterol, namely good cholesterol (HDL) and bad cholesterol (LDL). Palm oil can increase the good cholesterol and reduce the bad cholesterol and triglycerides. It is very important to maintain the health of heart and prevent cardiovascular disease.

Cholesterol comparison in animal protein sources

To provide a perspective, following is the cholesterol contents in a number of animal protein sources (per 100 gram):

  • Beef: ±70 mg
  • Pork: ±70 mg
  • Fish: ±60 mg
  • Chicken: ±60 mg
  • Milk: ±20 mg

Conversely, palm oil has no cholesterol or zero mg of cholesterol.

Content of Bioactive Compounds in Palm Oil

Palm oil also contains a variety of bioactive compounds beneficial to human heart, such as:

  • Carotenoids
  • Vitamin E (Tocopherols and Tocotrienols)
  • Squalene
  • Ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q10)

The compounds have cardio-protective properties, which can help protect human heart from damage and strengthen its function.

Palm oil is not only free from cholesterol, but it also contains the necessary components to support the health of heart. Consumption of palm oil in normal amount as part of balanced diet will not cause heart disease. But conversely, it is very beneficial for human health. (*)

Palmoilina.asia. Palmoilina.asia/berita-sawit/apa-sawit-mengandung-kolesterol-jahat/. Minyak Sawit Mengandung Kolesterol Jahat?. November 2, 2023

Artikel Terkait