Description
Palm oil is an edible vegetable oil high in saturated fats and free of trans fats. The oil palm tree (Elaeis guineensis) is a native to West Africa and was imported into SE Asia in the mid 19th century. Oil palm flourishes in the humid tropics and produces high yield when grown 10 degrees north and south of the equator. Palm fruit develops in dense bunches weighing 10 kilograms or more and containing more than a thousand individual fruits similar in size to a small plum from which the tree produces 2 types of oil. Palm oil is obtained from the flesh of the fruit and Palm Kernel Oil is produced by extracting the oil from the internal seed. Every oil palm tree requires approximately 3m diameter clear around the base of each tree to allow full growth. Oil palm is highly productive crop which is capable of yielding more oil from less land than any other vegetable oil in existence. One oil palm tree will produce ongoing fruit for up to 30 years deeming the crop as high yielding and sustainable. Palm Oil is used in around 50% of products consumers purchase and use on a daily basis. Palm Oil and derivatives otherwise known as fractions of the oil are used in the manufacture of prepackaged food, cosmetics, cleaning products, hair care, soaps and personal care items.
Sustainable palm oil is a response to recent years accusations that its use are harming people or the environment. To achieve this, palm oil majors have in the past few years adopted policies that promise no deforestation, no peat development, and no exploitation. We only buy RSPO certificated palm oil from producers who are commited to sustainable and responsible agriculture.
History
Palm oil originated from West Africa, where evidence of its use as a staple food crop dates as far back as 5,000 years. There is even evidence in Egyptian tombs of people being buried with casks of palm oil, reflecting the high societal value attributed to the product. Therefore, palm oil can be considered one of the earliest traded commodities.
Properties
Palm oil is rich in antioxidants such as vitamin A and its high concentrations of vitamin E protects skin cells and improve overall health. The rich nutrient content in red palm oil makes it ideal for your hair and skin. Organic red palm oil contains natural antibacterials that fight acne bacteria. Using red palm oil on your skin can help maintain moisturised, yet clear skin. Dryness can actually cause the skin to become irritated and sensitive, which can lead to acne. Red palm oil is beneficial if you have a cut or scrape on your skin, because the oil will kill germs. This antibacterial oil is also good for your hair and scalp because it can prevent scalp acne and dry scalp. Red palm oil is rich in vital nutrients. These vitamins are essential for healthy hair and skin. Vitamins A and E are free radical neutralisers and they fight free radicals, helping to protect and preserve your cells, resulting in healthier hair and skin.