Red Palm Oil

Red palm oil has been in use for over 5000 years, both, for nutritional as well as medicinal purposes. Particularly in Egypt, red palm oil 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 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. Red palm oil 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 give carrots and tomatoes their color. Take a look at how red palm oil can benefit our health, skin and hair.

Red Palm Oil Benefits

Red palm oil has been found to be the only cooking oil that is packed with nutrients that are lacking in any other type of cooking oil. Studies have even shown that topical application of red palm oil for skin and hair problems has been found useful.

Red Palm Oil Health Benefits
Find out how the regular consumption of palm oil, in limited amounts, can help you in deriving maximum health benefits.

• 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, red palm oil serves as the perfect solution, and helps those who consume this oil by preventing all the above mentioned problems.
• Mothers who are breastfeeding may be able to enrich their milk with vitamin A, that is necessary for the healthy growth and development children, upon including red palm oil in their diet.
• Apart from vitamin A, red palm oil is also a great source of vitamin E. Vitamin E contains tocotrienol, of four types, all of which are found in red palm oil. These also give red palm oil antioxidant properties, that help in eliminating free radicals from the body which are a cause for the development of several diseases including cancer.
• Unlike 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 red palm oil. This gives the sufferers all the nutrients required by their body.
• Though red palm oil contains a high amount of saturated fat, studies have shown that the consumption of red palm oil in fact prevents heart disease. This is possible as it has the ability to remove the build up of plaque in the arteries, and thus even bring down cholesterol levels. However, it has been advised to consult a doctor before you begin the intake of red palm oil, if you are at the risk of heart disease.
• Another way in which red palm oil can protect the heart is by stabilizing blood pressure levels. Due to its antioxidants, red palm oil also reduces the possibility of inflammations of the arteries. This helps in keeping the blood pressure levels under control.
• The regular consumption of palm oil has shown to reduce the risk of developing cancer. This because of the tocotrienols, that contain anti-cancer properties, and help in preventing skin, pancreas, liver, lunch, colon, stomach and prostrate cancer. However, the best results have been experienced against breast cancer.
• The antioxidants in red palm oil also help in protection of neurological degeneration. Thus, the degeneration of the brain, caused due to stress is prevented upon the intake of red palm oil. 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 the use of red palm oil include macular degeneration, arthritis, cataract, osteoporosis, liver disease, and asthma.

Red Palm Oil for Skin
Apart from the benefits to our health, the intake and application of red palm oil is perfect for a variety of skin conditions.

• For the skin, red palm oil 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.
• The application of red palm oil on the face also keeps the signs of aging at bay, leaving your skin looking fresh and young. Before you sleep at night, 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.
• Red palm oil has moisturizing properties. Those suffering from skin diseases such as psoriasis and eczema will find relief with the application of red palm oil 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.

Red Palm Oil for Hair
Packed with vitamin A and vitamin E, red palm oil is the perfect remedy for those who suffer from hair problems.

• When used on the hair, red palm oil 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 for hair regularly, you are bound to have naturally soft and silky hair. Use only a small amount as it is difficult to rinse out larger amounts.
• Due to its rich amounts of vitamin E, not only does the use of red palm oil help premature 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. A tablespoon a day should keep all your problems away.
By Puja Lalwani