For many years, there have been fierce debates surrounding palm oil; however, no scientific basis for its demonization has yet been found. This was stated by Dr. O. Medvedev in a TechInsider article, commenting on widespread concerns related to this product.
According to the specialist, there is currently no reliable scientific data confirming that palm oil itself leads to obesity, increased cholesterol levels, the development of cancer, or cardiovascular diseases. Such claims lack a convincing evidence base.
At the same time, the composition of palm oil includes a number of biologically active substances. It contains phytosterols, vitamin E, carotenoids, as well as oleic acid omega-9 and linoleic acid. These components participate in maintaining the cardiovascular system's function, help regulate cholesterol levels, and may reduce the risk of cholesterol deposits. The antioxidant properties of vitamin E, in turn, are associated with slowing down aging processes and decreasing the likelihood of chronic diseases.
Simultaneously, the expert emphasizes that approximately half of the composition of palm oil consists of saturated fatty acids. However, such fats are also widely present in animal products, which, as specialists note, modern humans consume in amounts exceeding the recommended WHO limit — no more than 10% of daily caloric intake. Therefore, the key factor remains the overall balance of the diet, rather than the rejection of a single ingredient.
Furthermore, recent research clarifies the role of individual saturated fatty acids. According to these studies, palmitic acid, derived from vegetable fats, has only a slight effect on the levels of total and 'bad' cholesterol, which differs from its impact in other sources of fat.
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