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Nutrition

The Health Benefits of Traditional Palm Oil

Discover why palm oil has been a staple in African cuisine for centuries and its nutritional benefits when consumed as part of a balanced diet.

Dr. Ama Mensah

Nutrition Consultant

January 15, 2024
5 min read
The Health Benefits of Traditional Palm Oil

Palm oil has been an integral part of African cuisine for thousands of years. This vibrant, orange-red oil extracted from the fruit of the oil palm tree is not just a cooking ingredient – it's a nutritional powerhouse when consumed in moderation.

Rich in Vitamins

Palm oil is one of the richest natural sources of vitamin E, particularly tocotrienols, which are powerful antioxidants. It also contains significant amounts of vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene, giving it its distinctive red color.

Heart Health

While palm oil is high in saturated fats, studies have shown that when consumed as part of a balanced diet, it can be neutral or even beneficial for heart health. The key is moderation and choosing high-quality, unrefined palm oil like our Zomi brand.

Traditional Uses

In Ghana and across West Africa, palm oil is used in numerous traditional dishes:

  • Jollof rice
  • Palm nut soup
  • Red-red (beans stew)
  • Kontomire stew

Choosing Quality Palm Oil

When selecting palm oil, look for:

  • Rich red-orange color (indicates high beta-carotene content)
  • Minimal processing (unrefined is best)
  • Reputable sources with sustainable practices

At Praise Export Services, we take pride in producing premium quality Zomi palm oil that preserves these traditional health benefits while meeting modern food safety standards.

Tags

#palm oil#health#nutrition#traditional food