Amazing Benefits of Red Palm Oil

Tap to Read ➤ Puja Lalwani

Though it has been in existence for several centuries, red palm oil is now emerging as the perfect solution for a variety of health conditions, and for other uses.

Red palm oil has been in use for over 5000 years for nutritional as well as medicinal purposes. Particularly in Egypt, it was revered and considered a sacred food. Palm oil is extracted from the fruit of the oil palm, that originated in tropical Africa. Now, it is grown in the other parts of the world too.

Though it has been in use for so many years, it is only now that doctors and scientists have begun researching about the benefits of red palm oil on our health and well-being.

It is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and phytonutrients, that are essential for good health. It is dark red in color, due to the presence of a compound called carotene, that also gives carrots and tomatoes their color.

General Benefits

Antioxidants

The carotenes contained in red palm oil make it a powerful source of antioxidants.

These are converted into vitamin A by the body, a lack of which causes blindness, weak bones, poor immunity, and even affect normal mental functions. Since carotenes require fat to be converted into vitamin A, this oil serves as the perfect solution, and helps those who consume it by preventing all the aforementioned problems.

Essential Vitamins

Mothers who are breastfeeding can enrich their milk with vitamin A, which is necessary for the healthy growth and development of children, by including red palm oil in their diet. This oil is also a great source of vitamin E.

Vitamin E contains tocotrienol of four types, all of which are found in this oil. These also give the oil antioxidant properties, that help in eliminating free radicals from the body which are a cause for the development of several diseases including cancer.

Cooking Oil

Unlike the other cooking oils such as olive oil, that lose their nutrients upon heating, red palm oil retains all of its nutrients and is therefore, popular as a cooking oil.

In fact, in many government programs that are undertaken to eliminate nutritional deficiencies, the food is cooked in this oil. This gives the affected people all the nutrients required by their body.

Healthy Heart

Moderate consumption of red palm oil prevents heart disease, as it has the ability to remove the build up of plaque in the arteries, thus, bringing down cholesterol levels.

However, it has been advised to consult a doctor before you begin its intake. Another way in which it can protect the heart is by stabilizing blood pressure levels. Due to its antioxidants, it also reduces the possibility of inflammations of the arteries. This helps in keeping the blood pressure levels under control.

Prevention of Cancer

The regular consumption of palm oil has shown to reduce the risk of developing cancer.

This is because of the tocotrienols, that contain anticancer properties, and help in preventing skin, pancreas, liver, lunch, colon, stomach, and prostate cancer. However, the best results have been experienced against breast cancer.

Prevention of Brain Disorders

The antioxidants in red palm oil help in the protection of neurological degeneration.

Thus, the degeneration of the brain, caused due to stress is prevented upon its intake. Thus, brain problems such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and even schizophrenia are kept at bay. Other problems that can be prevented by its use include macular degeneration, arthritis, cataract, osteoporosis, liver disease, and asthma.

Benefits for Skin

Healing Scars

For the skin, it works as a great solution to heal old scars, including scars from acne, and even stretch marks.

This is because it has a high vitamin A and vitamin E content. Since red palm oil is unrefined, its nutrient value is higher, and thus, helps as a solution for skin problems.

Preventing Skin Degeneration

Its application on the face also keeps the signs of aging at bay, leaving your skin looking fresh and young.

Before going to bed, apply palm oil and leave it overnight. It will repair all the damage that has already afflicted your skin, and will also prevent it from further damage.

Moisturizer

It has moisturizing properties. Those having skin diseases such as psoriasis and eczema will find relief with its application over the affected area. Because this oil is red in color, it is going to leave your skin looking slightly orange, unless you completely rub it in.

Benefits for Hair

Hair Conditioner

When used on the hair, it has a great conditioning effect, and is the perfect remedy for dry hair.

Just massage a small amount into your hair, and let it be for about half an hour. Follow your usual shampoo and conditioning routine. You will notice that your hair is left feeling much softer and also has a lustrous sheen.

If you use red palm oil on your hair regularly, you are bound to have naturally soft and silky hair. Use only a small amount as it is difficult to rinse out excess oil.

Stopping Hair Loss

Due to its rich amounts of vitamin E, not only does it help hair loss, but several people have experienced that it has helped restore hair among those who had started showing signs of baldness.

After learning about the benefits of the wonderful red palm oil, ensure that you include it in your diet, and keep yourself fit and healthy in the long run. Remember to consume it in moderation, as an excess of anything is never good.

Disclaimer : This Story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.