AS we look for products that help to make us look good and stay healthy, one ingredient that stands out for its remarkable benefits is none other than sustainable palm oil.
Derived from the fruit of oil palm trees, this versatile oil is not only a staple in many kitchens but also a key ingredient in numerous skincare products.
Palm oil’s incredible versatility as an aid for both internal health and external beauty make it an indispensable part of a holistic wellness regimen.
For those concerned about heart health, sustainable palm oil offers a compelling benefit in reducing cholesterol levels.
A study published in the National Library of Medicines suggests that “palm oil does not have incremental risk for cardiovascular disease” when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
By incorporating an appropriate amount of sustainable palm oil into your diet, one can enjoy its rich, buttery flavour while supporting one’s heart health.
Rich nutrient profile
Beyond its culinary uses, sustainable palm oil is a superstar in skincare. When used as an ingredient in skin cream, palm oil has the ability to deeply nourish the skin and create a protective barrier against environmental pollutants makes it invaluable.
When applied topically, palm oil helps to restore hydration and prevent further dryness by sealing in moisture. This is particularly beneficial for sensitive skin which can easily become irritated by harsh weather conditions and pollution.
Those suffering from skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis can find relief in sustainable palm oil. Its soothing properties help calm inflamed skin, reducing redness and discomfort.
The oil’s rich nutrient profile – including vitamins A, C, and E as well as beta carotene – enhances its healing power. These vitamins are crucial antioxidants that fight free radicals, which are notorious for causing premature aging.
Speaking of aging, sustainable palm oil is a potent anti-aging ally. The vitamins and anti-oxidants present in the oil combat free radicals which are one of the primary culprits behind fine lines and wrinkles.
By reducing the oxidative stress on skin cells, palm oil helps maintain a youthful and vibrant complexion. When it comes to palm oil’s use in the cosmetic’s industry, UK trade association, the Cosmetics, Toiletries and Perfumery Association, has acknowledged sustainable palm oil to be the best alternative to palm oil.
Merit of sustainable palm oil
Major make-up and cosmetics brands have already embraced sustainable palm oil. Beauty giant Estee Lauder has similarly built a platform highlighting its efforts around ethical, sustainable palm oil for beauty.
Credo Beauty has taken a public stance on a range of ingredients sold in products it retails, including palm oil where it feels that the solution is not to prohibit palm oil but to create a clear demand for sustainably produced palm oil.
L’Oréal notes on its website that it believes in “taking palm oil sustainable sourcing one step beyond.” As a result of its continued action, the company has earned a top ranking in the WWF’s (World Wide Fund for Nature) palm oil buyer’s scorecard.
Whether a product has been re-formulated to remove palm oil or whether a product boasts about being ‘Palm Oil Free’ on its label, what this means in reality is that the product now uses a blend of other vegetable oils such as sunflower, soy or coconut oil instead.
Globally, palm oil supplies between 35% and 40% of the world’s vegetable oil demand on just under 6% of the land used to produce all vegetable oils.
To get the same amount from alternative oils like soybean, coconut or sunflower oil, one would need anything between four-and-10 times more land which would just shift the problem to other parts of the world and threaten other habitats, species and communities.
On top of this, producing palm oil takes significantly less amount of fertiliser, pesticides and energy inputs.
I would like to also emphasise the importance of choosing sustainable palm oil as it is produced with respect for the environment and local communities. By opting for products that use certified sustainable palm oil, consumers can enjoy its benefits without contributing to environmental degradation.
In Malaysia, the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification is made mandatory for palm oil plantations, smallholders and palm oil processing factories, thus ensuring that all aspects of palm oil production adhere to sustainable practices and promoting both environmental conservation and social responsibility. – May 31, 2024
Dr Nur Khaisiyah Othman is a medical practitioner and a graduate of the Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University. She is experienced in various medical disciplines throughout her service in public hospitals, especially in anaesthesiology and treating COVID-19 Level 5 patients.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Main image credit: Palm Today Blog
