Is Palm Oil the New Trans Fat?

Partially hydrogenated oil is a type of trans fat that has gotten a lot of flak, and rightfully so. This chemically altered fat is known to raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, lower HDL (good) cholesterol levels, and increase your chance of developing coronary heart disease. Many companies are replacing hydrogenated oil with palm oil , saying that’s it’s a healthier option. On nutritional labels you might see this ingredient listed as palm-fruit oil, since it’s extracted from the fruit of the oil palm tree. This is not to be confused with palm kernel oil, which comes from the palm seed found inside the fruit. Eighty-six percent of the fat in palm kernel oil is saturated (the unhealthy fat), and 50 percent of the fat from palm-fruit oil is saturated, so it’s the better choice of the two, but is palm oil considered healthy? To find out read more. Palm oil is high in saturated fat, and so are butter, whole milk, ground beef, and skin from chicken. These fats should be limited just like trans fats; they clog your arteries and can lead to heart problems. Small amounts of palm oil are seen as safe, but I wouldn’t go out of your way to eat foods containing it, and would instead look for foods made with canola or olive oils. Palm oil has also been in the news over the past couple years for environmental reasons . The palm fruit is found in rain forests, and the production of palm oil is leading to deforestation, which is in turn driving orangutans to near extinction. So if you’re concerned about your health and the well-being of the planet, I’m sure you’ll be diligently label reading the next time you hit the grocery store.

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Is Palm Oil the New Trans Fat?

Label Able: Palm Stearin

At the grocery store to pick up some soy nut butter for a batch of Soy Nut Butter Muddy Buddies I was planning on making, I saw a new kind made by Simple Food . Checking out the label I noticed an ingredient I’ve never heard of - organic palm stearin. If you’re curious to know whether it’s healthy or not read more. When palm oil is extracted from the fruit of the palm tree and then refined, it can be further refined into two forms - palm olein (liquid) and palm stearin (solid). This ingredient has a neutral taste, and contains a balance of polyunsaturated, monounsaturated, and saturated fatty acids. Palm stearin also contains linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid our bodies don’t produce, and tocopherols , which are natural antioxidants. This fat is cholesterol free, and may even lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Palm stearin shouldn’t be confused with palm kernel oil, which is made from the seeds of the palm fruit and is high in saturated (unhealthy) fats. Since palm stearin is solid at room temperature, it’s often used instead of butter in breads and cakes, and can be found in nonhydrogenated margarine. It’s also used to prevent nut butters from separating, as in this soy nut butter. Well that’s a relief. Now I can enjoy my Muddy Buddies even more!

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Label Able: Palm Stearin

Katy Perry Jumps Onstage and Off

Katy Perry looks amazing in her various bikinis . What’s her secret? According to a recent interview with Cosmo , her favorite way to exercise is jumping rope . Not only does it burn calories - 295 per 30 minutes - but jumping rope also helps build bone-mineral density and makes your body stronger. It’s a simple and inexpensive way to get your heart rate up; use it as your main form of cardio or to warm up before strength training. Katy even jumps rope as a warmup before shows. Since this little gadget is so portable, you can pack it in your gym bag, suitcase, car, and even your purse and always have a way to get in a good workout.

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Katy Perry Jumps Onstage and Off