EAT TROPICAL TO HEAL

Red Palm oil, is the “Tropical olive oil” For ages, our ancestors in Africa have been cooking up something special in their kitchens – a magical elixir known as red palm oil. It is a rich, reddish hue with an earthy taste that adds that extra oomph to our favorite dishes. It's the secret ingredient our grandmother swears by, and for good reason. This treasure comes straight from the heart of the palm fruit, packed with goodness like beta-carotene, and a squad of antioxidants. It's the culinary maestro behind dishes like Coki, Olele, "mbongo tchobi," "Fumbwe," "Pundu," "Topsi banana," "Sauce graine," okra sauce, and the mighty "egusi sauce." So, the next time you're savoring those mouthwatering flavors, know that red palm oil is the unsung hero making it all happen. Now, let's delve into how scientific advancements have not only lifted palm oil from its negative reputation but also unraveled the truth to set the record straight.     1.2. The resurgence of red Palm oil In the realm of recent discussions, palm oil has found itself under a cloud of criticism, especially when the spotlight falls on its refined version rather than the unrefined  alternative. Like many oils, refined palm oil might not be the health hero we'd hope for. Its production can give birth to some not-so-friendly chemicals that have been associated with inflammation and various diseases, even the ominous cancer tag. Unsurprisingly, this questionable oil frequently finds its way into the realms of processed and fast foods, adding a layer of concern to its already dubious reputation. Beyond health matters, ethical alarms echo about the broader impacts of palm oil production on our environment, wildlife, and communities. These concerns echo similar issues faced by other large plantations and farms, painting palm oil plantations with a similar brush. What adds a unique twist to this tale is the surprising fact that India (17%) and China (17%) top the charts as global producers, despite not being heavy consumers domestically. In contrast, Africa (11%) produces less but seems to have a stronger love affair with palm oil. And in a twist of fate, even with global criticisms, Malaysia and Indonesia are embracing palm oil in their cooking, aligning their culinary practices with those of Central and West Africans. Discovering the wonders of red palm oil is like stumbling upon a hidden treasure in the world of healthy choices. Back in 2016, a savvy researcher named Lucci P. and his team  from the University of Udine in Italy hailed red palm oil as "The tropical equivalent of Olive oil." Now, that's a statement that could shake things up. Notably, numerous other researchers have independently reached similar conclusions. The spotlight on red palm oil has intensified, drawing more research attention that resounds with the same compelling results.   Hold up, let's rewind a bit. Palm oil has been on the receiving end of criticism for quite a while. But here's the scoop – the groundbreaking studies showcasing red palm oil's awesomeness often stay low-key, not stealing the limelight. Imagine if everyone knew that red palm oil is as fantastic for our health as the beloved olive oil. Mind-blowing, right? This revelation could be a game-changer, challenging the negative vibe surrounding palm oil. If we all hopped on the red palm oil train, it could not only boost our health but also show some love to local producers.   The more we embrace red palm oil, the less room there is for other not-so-healthy oils like vegetable oils. And guess who's not thrilled about that? Big food companies with pockets deep as the lake Tanganyika. They stand to lose millions, and let's be real, they won't let go without a fight. But our secret weapon is knowledge. Armed with the truth about red palm oil, we can flip the script on this narrative. It's as simple as choosing the healthiest option for ourselves. In this battle of oils, we hold the power to make the better, tastier, and healthier choice. Let's change the game, one drop of red palm oil at a time!. 1.3. Health benefits of red palm oil Now, here are the science-based reasons why you need to make red palm oil your ally and not your enemy! Boosts Immune System:Red palm oil has special nutrients and antioxidants, like vitamin E, and Betacarotene, that turn into Vitamin A, helping keep our immune system strong and age slower. Supports Brain Health: The antioxidants in red palm oil can make your brain work better, making us smarter. Plus, it helps guard against diseases like Alzheimer's. Fights Cancer: Red palm oil lowers the risk of certain cancers and can even make chemotherapy's adverse effects a bit better. Keeps Eyes Healthy: It protects our eyes from problems like cataracts and other diseases that can make our eyesight worse. Heart Protection:Just like extra virgin oive oil, red palm oil Protects our heart. ·      It lowers the bad cholesterol (LDL) and boosts the good cholesterol. ·      It prevents Artery Problems: It lowers the chance of artery issues like thrombosis and atherosclerosis. ·      It controls Blood Pressure: Red palm oil helps keep our blood pressure in check, protecting us from hypertension. Fights Inflammation and Diseases: It stops the production of a harmful thing called "free radical," which can cause inflammation. Plus, it gives our body antioxidants to fight off these harmful effects and prevent chronic diseases like cancer. As evident, even though the saturated fat content in red palm oil is significantly higher than that in olive oil (refer to Table 3 below), red palm oil has demonstrated heart-healthy benefits, much like extra virgin olive oil. This is why it has earned the title of the "Tropical equivalent of olive oil.