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Founder of the platform, with more than 11 years of experience in marketing within the oils and fats industry.
Palm oil is notorious among consumers. We believe that its bad reputation is mainly related to the fact that it is known to be the cheapest type of oil, while its prices change according to supply and demand and are not always the cheapest types of oils. We are not defending it here, but talking about expensive and reputable red palm oil for those who know it!
What is red palm oil
Crude palm oil is naturally red because it is rich in carotenoids. Carotenoids are among the most widespread pigments in nature and are the source of yellow, orange and red colors in many plants. They can generally be classified into carotene and xanthophylls. However, crude palm oil is not consumed by humans in its raw form (it may happen in some African countries) because it does not taste good and it is difficult to use it in the kitchen.” In addition, it contains free fatty acids (FFA), moisture, trace minerals, and other impurities that limit its shelf life, but it goes through three refining processes, resulting in refined, bleached and deodorized oil called RBD Palm Oil. It comes out of it after losing its color and many of its health benefits. It has become just a golden oil like most oils. It no longer has an exceptional red color and has no great benefits.
Red palm oil is produced through a special refining method called molecular distillation that preserves 80% of the carotenoids and vitamins found in raw palm oil. Therefore, it is rich in phytonutrients such as carotene (which makes the oil its bright red color), vitamin E, phytosterols, squalene, and coenzyme Q10.
Therefore, red palm oil and refined palm oil can be considered twins from the same mother, which is raw palm oil. One of them was adopted by a rich family and provided him with excellent living and education conditions. Red palm oil became the successful and prestigious one that society loves and respects. The other is the one who has gone through difficult circumstances that have brought out all the good and bad things in one of them. It is possible later to talk about this unjust novel after exposing the narrator.
The strengths of red palm oil
There are 13 types of carotenoids in palm oil. Beta-carotene (β-carotene) and alpha-carotene (α-carotene) are the main types in commercial red palm oil. Carotene contributes to boosting the immune system, supporting heart health, and may help reduce the risk of cancer. For children, it promotes eye health, growth, and development.
Red palm oil is known to have the highest percentage of vitamin A precursor (provitamin A) compared to other vegetable oils. What is the predecessor of vitamin A?
The term “vitamin precursor” means that it acts as a vitamin precursor. Once ingested, the body converts this compound to vitamin A. You might be surprised to learn that red palm oil contains more pre-vitamin A than other plant sources such as fruits and vegetables!
Comparison of vitamin A content in red palm oil with fruits and vegetables
Retinol equivalents in red palm oil compared to other foods (per 100 mg of edible part)/
“Two teaspoons (10 ml) of red palm oil per day in our diet provide enough provitamin A for our body to meet our daily vitamin A need of 600 mcg retinol equivalent”
I prefer to use it:
Why don't we see it in the markets?
Despite its benefits we have mentioned, its production is small and sold at a high price. Therefore, it is sold in countries with a high standard of living such as Japan. In addition, marketing it may affect consumers who are able to buy olive oil. It is difficult to pay a high price for red palm oil, but we hope to see it in our Arab countries soon because of its many benefits.
