The Putra Plantation Forum is a platform provided by the Institute of Plantation Studies, UPM, for the dissemination of knowledge related to plantation crops. Series 8 has highlighted the latest advances on the nutrition of palm oil. A talk was delivered by a prominent Malaysian scientist, Academician Tan Sri Emeritus Professor Datuk Dr Augustine S.H. Ong, who is recognized both nationally and internationally in the field of lipid chemistry. Palm oil is the highest consumed vegetable oil in this planet. In terms of nutrition, palm oil contains a high amount of carotene and vitamin E. Carotene is an anti-oxidant which helps to strengthen the immunity of the body and has the potential to reduce the risk of contracting cancer, heart disease and cataract. Vitamin E is another anti-oxidant which slows down the aging process. Palm oil is also free from cholesterol and trans-unsaturated fatty acids which are bad for health. Tan Sri Augustine has led research initiatives since 1981 to prove that the Malaysian palm oil is as good as virgin olive oil which has been considered to be the best cooking oil in terms of health and has successfully convinced the cooking oil industry in USA, EU and related countries to halt their anti-palm oil campaigns.  

Date of Input: 23/07/2018 | Updated: 24/07/2018 | ainzubaidah