Palm kernel oil is extracted from the seeds of the palm fruit. It has been used for a long time for its medicinal properties. It is known by various names: African palm oil, American palm oil, palm kernel oil and red palm oil. It is increasingly popular, topping the list of the contemporary vegetable oils. Also spend time reading health benefits of virgin red palm oil.
There are some research that confirmed that palm kernel oil has been effective to reduce the risk of many cancer types and cardiovascular diseases. Palm oil contains a lot of nutrients and is one of the vegetable oils which is naturally saturated.
It has balanced fatty acid composition with 50% saturated fatty acids, 40% unsaturated and 10% of polysaturated fatty acids. Besides, it is also rich in vitamin A and E and other phytonutrients, like sterols, phenolic acids and antioxidants.
With those nutrients, no wonder, palm kernel oil is able to give you a lot of health benefits. Let’s take a closer look at each of the amazing health benefits of palm kernel oil.
- Good for Cardiovascular Health
Palm kernel oil is considered effective in maintaining your cardiovascular health. Unsaturated fatty acids commonly boost the production of LDL cholesterol which negatively impacts the heart health.
However, the balanced composition of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in palm oil is able to counteract the negative effect of LDL. As a result, it keeps the heart healthy and reduces the risk of getting atherosclerosis, stroke and other types of cardiovascular diseases.
Getting healthy heart is also one of the health benefits of oats in smoothie. So grab a cup of oats and transform them into a smoothie!
- Prevent Cancer
Cancer is one of the most killing diseases. Palm kernel oil is rich in vitamin A and E which are proven to be anti-cancer agents. There is a research which has confirmed the role of carotenoids and vitamin E which is able to inhibit cancer cells.
Palm kernel oil has got the highest amount of vitamins among all other vegetable oils. There are tocotrienols, the antioxidants which prevent oxidative damage of tissues due to free radicals. Free radicals is one of the prime reasons of cancer development.
It is also shown that maintaining a healthy diet with less fat consumption is very essential to reduce the risk of cancer.
Palm oil, indeed, helps prevent breast, colon, stomach, pancreas, prostate and liver cancers. Cancer can be prevented and treated. You can check these benefits of apricot seed for cancer treatment.
- Maintain Good Eye Health
Palm kernel oil is rich in beta carotene and other vital antioxidants. Beta carotene and other antioxidants in palm kernel oil prevent free radical damage to the body and mutation.
Furthermore, it also improves vision and reduce the risk of developing cataract and other macular degeneration.
You can also use encapsulated palm oil for reducing vitamin A deficiency.
- Boost Immune System
Palm kernel oil is also believed to be a definite booster for body immunity. It is because of the high quantities of antioxidants. Therefore, it also protects the body against various infections and prevent from developing chronic diseases.
The vitamins: A, E, D and K improve body metabolism and the functioning of white blood cells which prevents infections.
Immune system can be maintained by consuming citrus fruits. Read more about it in these scientifically proven health benefits of citrus fruit for immune system.
- Improve Hair Growth
Besides being consumed, palm kernel oil can also be used for hair. Palm kernel oil shows amazing results on hair growth too.
It provides thorough conditioning, thickens hair and reduces hair fall. Hence, it makes your hair stronger. You can use this palm oil as a hot oil treatment and provides a soothing effect along with nourishment.
- Provide Soft Skin
Palm kernel oil provides anti-aging benefits. Besides, it also makes the skin naturally soft and glowing without any greasy appearance. No wonder, palm kernel oil has been used as a key ingredient in many soap bars and creams.
- Good for Your Mental Health
As palm kernel oil is rich in antioxidants, it is good for maintaining mental health too. These antioxidants protect the neural nerves against free radicals and prevent nervous breakdown.
It also boosts blood flow to the nerves and as a result, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease can be prevented and cognitive functions can be improved.
- Detoxifying Liver
Palm oil is also able to detoxifies liver and protects it against non-fatty acids liver diseases. It is all due to its antioxidant properties which improve liver functions and prevent deposition of particles in liver and pancreas and thereby reduce the risk of getting cancer.
Palm oil is greatly beneficial for your health. If you’re interested in consuming other types of oil, you can read health benefits of vegetable oil and health benefits of Malaysian palm oil.