Benefits of Palm: Characteristics

Posted by Palm on October 17th, 2019

Palm kernel oil is widely used in the cosmetic and food industry. Know your benefits

Palm kernel oil or palm kernel coconut oil are the names given to refer to palm kernel oil. It is extracted from the almond found inside the palm, a fruit given by a palm tree originating from the west coast, popularly known as oil palm. From it, two types of oils can be found : palm oil, which is extracted from pulp, and palm kernel oil, obtained from almonds. However, the difference between them lies in the fatty acid compositions present. In palm oil the palmitic and oleic predominate; in the palm kernel, the lauric and the mystic. And a plam gives a beautifull plans, flowering, etc. and if you need more details about it, Check our russalgear website.

Uses of Palm

The palm kernel oil extraction process occurs by pressing without the addition of chemical solvents. The fruits are steam heated to partially shrink the almonds, facilitating the separation of their shell. The nuts are polished to remove possible fiber residues and are sent to a mill where the almonds are separated from the shells. Shells are used as raw material for activated charcoal, while almonds are broken and rolled. In the lamination step, a paste is produced and it is this paste that will be pressed for the extraction of palm kernel oil.

The oil obtained is found in the semi-solid state at room temperature - it must be heated in a water bath to become liquid. It is generally composed of lauric acid (between 42% - 52%) and myristic acid (16%).

The lauric acid, which is one of the compounds of breast milk, acts as anti-inflammatory and has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.

Its consumption helps fight inflammation such as arthritis and rheumatism; It acts against fungi, viruses and bacteria - causing, for example, the inhibition of herpes virus and gastritis causing bacteria - due to the presence of lauric acid. The oil has no taste in food and is odorless compared to babassu or beach coconut, and can be used as a margarine substitute in cake and bread recipes. However, palm kernel oil contains saturated fats and should not be ingested as it may cause health problems.

Palm kernel oil has several cosmetic uses. It is a great conductor for massage, provides nourishment to the skin and aids in disinfection. Helps fight against aging and, being emollient and moisturizing , gives the skin softness and lubrication, while preserving the natural elasticity. The anti-inflammatory property in lauric acid aids in the treatment of acne , being a natural and free alternative to some chemicals that can be harmful  to human health and skin, such as parabens.which are present in many of the cosmetic products. It can be used on all skin types, even those with an oily tendency, as palm kernel oil absorbs quickly and does not clog the pores, allowing the skin to breathe.

It also helps in nourishing damaged hair and treating dandruff. Because it is pasty at room temperature, the application of the oil to the hair is facilitated and can be used either pure or mixed with moisturizing creams to enhance the effects.

Another interesting use of palm kernel oil is that it can be applied to pet wounds, especially dogs and cats, helping with the disinfection process (when in doubt, always consult a veterinarian). It also serves to restore furniture, giving it a new look and shine, and lubricating rusty hinges. Simply moisten a cloth with the oil and wipe over the furniture.

Palm extraction and its impact on the environment

The various applications of the two types of oils that can be extracted from the palm are therefore considered to be the major responsible for deforestation of the present times, where forests were sacrificed to convert into palm and palm kernel oil plantations. It is a highly lucrative activity for growers because there is a lot of demand for export.

This led to the Sustainable Palm Oil Roundtable, RSPO, an organization that has developed a set of environmental and social criteria to be met by companies to minimize the negative impacts of oil cultivation on the environment and the communities involved.

Compliance with these criteria makes companies eligible for the Sustainable Palm Oil Certificate (CSPO) and only after certification can producers claim to produce sustainable palm oil.

Like it? Share it!


Palm

About the Author

Palm
Joined: October 17th, 2019
Articles Posted: 1