Palm oil, red

Definition

Red palm oil is a dark red, carotene-rich oil that has not been refined from the first harvest of oil palms. See: Palm oil.

Health considerations

Red palm oil is rich in carotenes, tocopherols (vitamin E), and other phytochemicals and antioxidants. It has been proposed as a way of combatting vitamin A deficiency in developing nations. It has not been found to promote artery occlusion (atherosclerosis), and has been found to lower cholesterol and cholesterol production, reduce risk of atherosclerosis, and improve red blood cell activity. It may improve immune function and have anti-tumor properties. See: Palm oil.

May be found in

Typically available only as-is

References

British Journal of Biomedical Science
Food & Nutrition Bulletin
Food Chemistry
Food & Nutrition Bulletin 2