Red palm oil comes from the Elaeis guineensis tree that grows in parts of West Africa and Asia. It is lauded as a healthier alternative to other vegetable oils. It’s also one of the most versatile food products in the world. It can be used to prepare meals, as an ingredient in margarine, ice cream, and many other foods, and as hair oil. The oil has been used for thousands of years. However, it has soared in popularity over the last few years as people look for healthier foods to avoid and combat lifestyle diseases. Red palm oil has a number of health benefits that range from improving brain health to fighting scalp damage. Here are some.
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Reduces Blood Cholesterol
High cholesterol is linked to diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, stroke, and high blood pressure. The substance can accumulate in the blood vessels, leading to narrowing and hardening. While many cooking oils are said to raise cholesterol levels, red palm oil is an exception. Studies have found that it can decrease the bad LDL cholesterol in your blood and improve heart health. It was found to have similar effects on blood cholesterol as extra virgin olive oil. Foods To Improve And Lower Cholesterol Levels
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Fights Scalp Damage
Red palm oil is light and absorbs quickly which makes it an ideal hair oil. It’s especially good for people who suffer from dry scalp and brittle hair. Thanks to its carotene content, it may play a role in promoting scalp health. Carotenes encourage the production of sebum on the scalp, which prevents your hair from drying out. It also protects the scalp from exposure to UV rays. This protects your scalp from damage and in turn, stimulates hair growth.
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Cleanses And Conditions Hair
While many hair oils cause dirt buildup that clogs the hair follicles, red palm oil does the opposite. It contains myristic acid which works as a cleansing agent for the hair and scalp. Its astearic acid content removes grease and grime from the hair leaving your scalp feeling fresh. You can leave the oil on your hair overnight and will not cause harm then wash it off in the morning using a shampoo. You can also use it as a leave-in conditioner and apply it after washing your hair. Ensure your hair is still damp. 5 Ways To Relieve An Itchy Scalp
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Improves Vision
Thanks to its high levels of beta-carotene, red palm oil helps the body absorb Vitamin A which is beneficial for eyesight. It also contains high amounts of Vitamin A. The high content of Vitamin A keeps your immune system strong which helps it fight illnesses including eye problems such as cataracts and macular degeneration. 7 Ways To Care For Your Eyes
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Promotes Brain Health
Most mental illnesses don’t have a single cause. However, the brain deteriorates as we age which leaves us prone to illnesses such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. Some mental illnesses are also a result of genetics, injury, emotional trauma, and hormonal imbalance. it’s therefore important to add foods that support brain health in our diet to avoid developing mental illnesses. Red palm oil is an excellent source of antioxidant properties that supports brain health. Studies suggest that these properties may help protect the delicate polyunsaturated fats in the brain, slowing dementia progression and preventing the growth of brain lesions. 7 Daily Practices That Boost Brain Health
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Boosts Milk Production
Some women experience low milk production post-pregnancy which can make it difficult and painful to breastfeed their newborn baby. There are various factors that can lead to low milk production such as premature birth, high blood pressure, unmanaged diabetes, and obesity. You can mitigate this issue by adding red palm oil to your diet. It’s a rich source of vitamin A which enhances milk secretion and enriches the milk. Physical And Emotional Side Effects Of Breast Feeding
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Eases Muscle Cramps
Inflammation is necessary for our immune system. It’s the body’s defence mechanism against pathogens and its way of repairing itself after injury. However, in some cases, inflammation can be harmful causing discomfort, pain, and illness if left unresolved. Being anti-inflammatory in nature, red palm oil is ideal for relieving muscle aches, cramps, and other illnesses such as arthritis and asthma which are related to inflammation. It’s also a natural analgesic that helps relieve pain quickly.
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