Acesulfame potassium is a zero-calorie sweetener that is added to many sugar-free…
Palm Oil (Refined)
Palm Oil (Refined)
Palm Oil (Refined)
What is it:
Palm oil is made from the fruit of the African Palm. The production process starts with the harvesting of mature fruits, which are then sterilized to prevent fermentation and stripped of their flesh to extract the oil-rich segments. The extracted oil is then subjected to a series of refining processes that include harsh chemicals to remove impurities and ensure that it meets the required quality standards. The final product is then packaged for distribution and use in various industries, including food, cosmetics, and biofuel. You’ll find palm oil in many processed foods like pizza, butters, baked goods, creamers, and more. It is the most widely used vegetable oil in the world. The production of palm oil has led to widespread deforestation around the globe and habitat destruction for many endangered species like the orangutan, rhinos, and tigers.
Rating:
Palm oil production has led to deforestation and habitat destruction around the world. Some studies have shown that consuming palm oil may increase parameters associated with cardiovascular disease, while other research has suggested it may not. It is a significant source of saturated fats which may have negative health implications, but also is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants.
Resources:
- Palm oil increases cholesterol more than olive oil in healthy patients (randomized controlled trial)
- The impact of palm oil production on endangered species like Orangutans
- Palm oil increasing or decreasing CVD risk is inconclusive (systematic review)
- Palm oil may not be associated with CVD risk factors (review)
- The impact of palm oil production on biodiversity and deforestation (review)
- The use of hexane in palm oil extraction
How we rate ingredients
Health is like a bank account, certain ingredients make a deposit into your health bank, meaning they add to
your health. Certain ingredients withdraw from your health bank. We want health promoting ingredients in our diet. To keep things simple, we rate ingredients on a green, yellow, red scale:
Clean
It is naturally occurring in food and has no harmful effects on the body. It is real food. It is health promoting.
Caution
It goes into one or more of the below categories
- It is not naturally occurring in food but doesn’t have data showing it has a harmful effect on the body (additives like Gellan Gum)
- It is naturally occurring but can have some harmful effects on the body (added sugars, oils, gums etc.)
We Avoid
It is known to have a harmful effect on the body (ex. All food colorings, Natural Flavors, MSG, Potassium bromate, aspartame, artificial flavors)
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