The shift towards transparent supply chains will empower consumers to make informed choices in the ethical , environmentally sound origins and nutritional value of palm oil products
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THE HEALTH | NOVEMBER , 2023
| Opinion |
Palm oil : Rampant misinformation in the health sector
The shift towards transparent supply chains will empower consumers to make informed choices in the ethical , environmentally sound origins and nutritional value of palm oil products
BY DR AMMU K RADHAKRISHNAN
AS WE peel back the layers of rhetoric and misinformation , it becomes clear that we often rely on simplistic labels such as “ good ”, “ bad ”, “ sustainable ” or “ harmful ” to make quick judgments about the world around us .
Similarly , palm oil has faced much criticism in public conversations and is affected by this practice .
People often focus on the practices around palm oil production rather than the crop itself which by current standards and regulations is sustainably produced .
However , it ’ s worth noting that , according to current standards and regulations like the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil ( RSPO ), palm oil can be sustainably produced . In fact , Malaysia has its own industry-leading standard , the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil ( MSPO ) certification scheme , thus underscoring its commitment to sustainable practices .
While some concerns are warranted , there are undoubtedly issues that merit discussion and action . However , most narratives pit environmental protection against agricultural profitability , leaving little room for a thorough analysis of palm oil ’ s essential benefits , such as its healthpromoting properties .
Yet , as with any complex issue , these simplistic labels hardly capture the full scope of palm oil ’ s impact – both beneficial and detrimental . In a world that is quick to condemn , perhaps it ’ s time to take a step back and re-evaluate our perceptions of this common resource .
This is particularly significant considering rampant misinformation about palm oil in the health sector .
Coming from a background in immunology and having spent 25 years researching immune therapies for cancer and the role of natural compounds in health , I ’ m not just academically curious about palm oil . I ’ m personally invested .
HEALTH SPECTRUM
First , let ’ s consider some facts . The prevailing narrative has long classified palm oil as a ‘ bad ’ fat due to its high saturated fat content . However , science tells us a different story . Palm oil comprises a balanced combination of fatty acids , including saturated , monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats .
The mix makes palm oil stable for cooking at high temperatures and offers multiple benefits such as immune modulation , which come from its rich profile of antioxidants like vitamin E ( tocotrienols and alpha-tocopherols ) that protect against oxidative stress .
Additionally , its carotenoids convert to vitamin A , essential for vision and immune function , while its phytosterols may help lower “ bad ” LDL cholesterol , hence reducing the risk of heart disease .
My immunology research shows that palm oil ’ s nutrients offer numerous health benefits , such as anti-inflammatory properties , which can modulate immune responses and are especially valuable for supporting immune health . This makes it a beneficial option for chronic inflammation or weakened immune systems .
In my view , there ’ s a lot to be excited about in the realm of health regarding palm oil research . Working together , scientists and the palm oil industry can dig deeper into what makes this oil special – like its unique nutrients that are good for our immune system , skin and overall health .
And let ’ s not forget that studies show that palm oil could even help prevent serious health issues like heart disease and diabetes .
We could create new types of palm oil that are even healthier or more plentiful through biotechnology . Think about genetic editing instead of modifying the oil to contain more vitamin A , which could have big health benefits .
And there ’ s also room for improvement in how we produce palm oil . Researchers are looking into ways to make the process more eco-friendly and less wasteful .
PARTNERSHIP
The key ingredient here is collaboration . By teaming up , academic experts can provide the know-how , while the industry can provide the funds and tools needed for research . This way , we ’ re using real-world data to answer important questions to ensure that palm oil is produced even more sustainably .
For those who are sceptical , it ’ s also worth noting that the palm oil industry is moving in the direction of more responsible practices .
Around 96 per cent of Malaysian palm oil plantations – many of them run by 300,000 smallholder farmers – are now MSPO-certified under the Malaysia Sustainable Palm Oil ( MSPO ) scheme . This is a new nationally mandated sustainability standard enforceable by the law and the first of its kind in the world .
As for deforestation , an important piece of research was recently published by Global Forest Watch in June 2023 which noted a sharp reduction in forest loss in Malaysia . Oil palm corporations appear to be taking action with some 83 per cent of palm oil refining capacity now operating under a “ No Deforestation , Peat and Exploitation ( NDPE )” commitment .
This more recent report from the Global Forest Watch should ease the concerns of environmental campaigners as it suggests that the hard work of Malaysia ’ s palm oil industry and government is starting to bear fruit in reversing deforestation .
Regarding sustainability , looking to the future reveals that sustainable sourcing practices are set to become the industry standard . This will effectively minimise deforestation and habitat destruction . This shift towards transparent supply chains will eventually empower consumers to make informed choices , bolstering confidence in the ethical and environmentally sound origins of palm oil products . By choosing certified products and recognising the oil ’ s nutritional value , consumers have the power to encourage this positive shift .
No resource is universally good or bad . Often , it is our approach and utilisation that determine its impact . With ongoing research , the right regulatory frameworks – and an open mind – we can give palm oil a fairer assessment .
As we strive for a more balanced narrative on palm oil , let ’ s move beyond simplistic labels . Let us usher in a new discourse , one that acknowledges complexity and inspires thoughtful action for a resource that touches all our lives in more ways than we realise .
If done right , this re-evaluation not only corrects misperceptions but also paves the way for a future where palm oil can be seen as what it truly is : a versatile , valuable resource that can contribute to our health and a sustainable planet . – The Health
Dr Ammu K Radhakrishnan is a Professor of Immunology at Monash University Malaysia ’ s Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences .