Red palm oil benefits
Taking red palm oil in moderation can provide numerous health benefits, from adding nutrients to your diet to restoring a dry scalp. High in saturated fat, red palm oil does not contain trans-fat and can be used as an alternative to butter for cooking.
Adding just a tablespoon of this antioxidant-rich edible fat can also give a much-needed boost of nutrition to your hair. Here’s a look at some of the health benefits of adding red palm oil to your diet and beauty regimen.
What is red palm oil?
Red palm oil comes from the red fruit of palm trees (Elaeis guineensis) primarily found in the tropical rainforests of Africa, Asia and South America. It is solid at room temperature and liquefies when heated.
Red palm oil for hair
Many hair products are also made with red palm oil, which is best known for its smoothing and nourishing results. Red palm oil can help promote hair growth by stimulating the hair follicles while the addition of vitamin E provides nourishment to your dry scalp. This protects the hair from split ends and restores the natural oils that are often stripped away by harsh shampoos and other treatments. Red palm oil also contains antibacterial properties designed to reduce scalp irritation.
How to use red palm oil on hair
Red palm oil is safe enough to use every day, but you only need to apply it to your hair a few times a week to see results. Before taking a shower, simply rub a small amount in your hands and apply it to your hair, beginning with the ends then working your way up to the roots. You can let the red palm oil absorb for the next 10-15 minutes before shampooing and conditioning your hair in the shower. For a more intense treatment, you may leave red palm oil on all night and wash it out in the morning. Using a raw and unrefined red palm oil can help you explore these benefits in small amounts.
What hair types benefit most from red palm oil
If your hair is prone to split ends or you have a dry, itchy scalp, hair products like SheaMoisture’s leave-in or rinse-out conditioner combine red palm oil with cocoa butter for added nourishment. When used on curly hair, red palm oil can help retain more moisture and leave your hair feeling smooth and shiny.
Because red palm oil for hair does have a reddish color, it is most ideal for brunette, red and black hair as the color may tint blonde hair and be stubborn to remove. Be sure to also keep this in mind if you apply red palm oil for an overnight treatment as it may stain your pillowcase.
Red palm oil for cooking
Red palm oil is a popular cooking oil alternative to butter or vegetable oil. The cholesterol-free and gluten-free oil has a high heat point, so it is able to retain the nutrients of the foods you are cooking better than other oils. Red palm oil has an earthy, neutral flavor and a reddish-orange color. You can use it to sauté meats and vegetables or add it to soups and stews.
Health benefits of Red palm oil
Red palm oil is rich in antioxidants as well as vitamins A and E. When adding any type of oil to your daily diet, it is important to first consult with your physician to be sure it is safe for you, especially if you have preexisting heart issues.
Eye health
Red palm oil is rich in vitamin A, which is essential to long-term good vision. Adding red palm oil to your diet may reduce your risk of vision issues.
Brain health
Red palm oil’s vitamin E can protect against the damaging effects of free radicals on the brain. Studies show this may reduce risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
Are there any health risks associated with red palm oil?
Be sure to consult with your physician before adding red palm oil with its high saturated fat content to your diet, especially if you have high cholesterol or heart issues.
Top brands of red palm oil for cooking
Nutiva Unrefined Red Palm Oil: This organic superfood has a buttery flavor and is a good substitute for shortening.
OMNI zomni Red Palm Oil: The all-natural bottle of rich oil should be placed in a bowl of warm water to liquefy before using it to fry, sauté or bake foods.
Praise Red Palm Oil: This unrefined African oil is hand harvested in Ghana and is 100% vegan.
JEB Foods Africa Red Palm Oil: JEB Foods’ cholesterol-free oil is full of antioxidants and provides a healthier alternative to oil when cooking.
Juka’s Red Palm Oil: Whether you use it to create shrimp Mozambique, chicken muamba or a vegetarian koshari dish, this red palm oil is ideal for creating flavorful dishes.
Kellie Speed is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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