Palm Oil: The Hidden Poison in Your Diet

Palm oil is one of the most widely used vegetable oils, found in about 50% of packaged products, from snacks and baked goods to margarine and even infant formula. But while it’s cheap and ubiquitous, it poses serious health risks that many people are unaware of.

The Health Dangers of Palm Oil

Palm oil has long been promoted as a “healthier” alternative to trans fats, but the reality is much more concerning. One of the main health risks associated with palm oil is its high saturated fat content. Unlike unsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy, saturated fats can raise low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, also known as “bad” cholesterol. Elevated LDL cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, which remains the leading cause of death globally.

In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified palm oil as a significant dietary factor in the rise of cardiovascular diseases in many countries. Diets high in palm oil increase the likelihood of developing conditions such as atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes.

Beyond cardiovascular risks, the way palm oil is processed can turn it into a health hazard. When heated at high temperatures — a common step in food manufacturing — palm oil produces harmful chemicals called 3-MCPD and glycidol. These…