Palm oil is a versatile and widely used vegetable oil derived from the fruit of the oil palm tree. It holds a crucial position in the global agricultural and food industries due to its unique properties and diverse applications. Oil palm trees, originally from West Africa in 1875 over 149 years ago, were introduced to South-East Asia for ornamental purposes. Indonesia and Malaysia currently supply over 85% of the world’s palm oil, but 42 additional countries cultivate the plant, highlighting the global importance of palm oil production.
Malaysia’s palm oil industry, with over 15 laws, is implementing various technologies to minimize its environmental impact, despite ongoing efforts to comply with stringent regulations. These practices have proven successful in oil palm plantations, palm oil mills, and refineries. Dr. Meena Mehta, an Associate professor who is currently working as a visiting Faculty in Department of Post Graduate Studies and Research in Home Science & Department of Food Science and Nutrition, S.N.D.T Women’s University expressed her views saying, “Embracing responsible practices, we can harness the power of palm oil to create a healthier, more prosperous future for all.”
Palm oil is a versatile ingredient in various industries, including food, personal care, and cosmetics. Its unique fatty acid composition makes it ideal for high-temperature cooking and is rich in essential nutrients like vitamin E and Provitamin A, which support immune function and dietary requirements.
