Chemical x Dictionary

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What is Palm Kernel Oil or Palm Oil?

Palm kernel oil is made from the palm vegetable. It offers a greater yield at a lower cost of production as compared to any other vegetable oils. It contains both saturated and unsaturated fats and is made by the bleaching, deodorising and neutralising of crude palm oil. 

What are the other names this ingredient is also known as? 

These terms relate to various aspects of palm oil and its derivatives.Palm oil, Palmate oil, Palm Kernel oil, Palm olein, Stearic acid and many other names can be found in labels. Industrial and beauty product ingredients, such as “sodium laureth sulphate” and “palmitoyl tetrapeptide-3,” also contain palm oil derivatives. The diverse names highlight palm oil’s widespread use in different industries.

What products is it used in?

Since it is cheap it is used as a substitute to fats and oils. It is used in a lot of commercial baked goods, chips, chocolates, frozen foods, sauces, dips etc. 

What is the source of this ingredient?

Palm kernel oil is a natural oil extracted from the seeds of the palm fruit. It is not synthetic but derived from the natural kernels of the oil palm tree. However, concerns about environmental sustainability and deforestation is associated with the production of palm oil or palm kernel oil. It is considered vegan and vegetarian as it is derived from plant based materials and contains no animal products. It is always advised to check the ingredient label for more information. 

Is this ingredient bad for me?

This ingredient has high amounts of saturated fats and refined palm oil can contain carcinogens (a substance capable of causing cancer in living tissue). It is known to increase the levels of LDL/bad cholesterol when consumed in excess. 

What should you do?

Avoid when possible


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