Palm oil use and compatibility in India

Abstract

India is experiencing a shortage of edible oils that may increase in years to come. To meet this challenge, palm oil is being considered as a potential new source of oil owing to the high productivity of the oil palm. Besides ensuring that palm oil meets essential fatty acid (EFA) requirements, concern about its atherogenic potential due to its saturated fat content has to be allayed. Although categorized as a saturated fat, palm oil does not raise blood cholesterol, unlike other fats such as coconut oil. Unrefined crude palm oil, which is rich in β-carotene, is also of special interest as it can be used to prevent vitamin A deficiency, which is widespread in India. -from Author