Milwaukee readers put palm oil, other healthy fats, back on their plates

Media Buzz: The media’s interest in palm oil’s sustainability and health messages continues, as more Americans focus on making smarter food choices. Online articles, such as this interviewby the Milwaukee Courier, are reaching huge audiences.

As a board-certified nutritionist and expert on weight loss, nutrition and health, I’ve seen a lot of advice come and go, but the latest research confirms that healthy fats contribute to overall good health. Smarter, fats such as olive oil, Malaysian certified sustainable palm oil, grass-fed butter, coconut oil and even organic lard, make it more likely that you will hit your weight-loss goals and feel more energetic. Malaysian certified sustainable palm oil is a smart fat that is rich in vitamin E and beta carotene, and supports heart and brain health. You can substitute Malaysian palm oil for the more inflammatory oils that have been recommended for so long such as canola, corn or soy. That would be a huge improvement.

Some people believe that palm oil production is causing deforestation and killing off animals. Well, sadly, in some countries that’s true. Not so in Malaysia, which is why Malaysian palm oil is the only one I recommend. Here’s why:

Palm oil from Malaysia is produced in a way that protects the environment.

Palm oil plantations help absorb greenhouse gases and act as a carbon sink. Measures are taken during planting to conserve the soil and water.

Malaysian certified sustainable palm oil is the most efficient oil-bearing crop in the world, using fewer resources than other oils like soy, rapeseed (canola) and sunflower oil.

In my latest interview, I also talked about how reputable manufacturers are starting to source nutritional supplements from natural, whole foods so you get a more balanced and complete blend of the nutritious compounds found in the food. Take vitamin E. Complete vitamin E has eight forms that, together, benefit heart health and circulation. But almost all the vitamin E supplements on store shelves contain just one form (alpha) rather than the more potent form (gamma). The good news is that supplements made with Malaysian sustainable palm oil contain all eight forms, as all of them are found in the oil itself.

Other foods that should be back on our plates include coffee and eggs. Coffee contains healthy antioxidants. Many of the same compounds that are found in cocoa are also found in coffee. As long as you don’t have a high sensitivity to caffeine, coffee is a fine drink and coffee drinking is actually associated with lower rates of a number of diseases. Egg yolks, long banned during the low-fat madness, are a nutritional trifecta containing choline (brain food), plus the twin superstars of eye nutrition, lutein and zeaxanthin.

Consumers who are conscious about their health and the environment are choosing to put smarter fats, such as Malaysian certified sustainable palm oil, back on their plates. It’s a good choice for you and the earth.

You can get more healthy fats like Malaysian certified sustainable palm oil in your diet. Most of the palm oil used in the United States comes from Malaysia. It’s an ingredient in many popular products, such as some microwave popcorns and the Smart Balance line of spreads and peanut butters.

Editor’s note: Jonny Bowden is a member of Media Relations Inc.’s panel of highly respected third-party experts. He is compensated to express his own professional opinions, through the media, about certain products.

About Jonny Bowden

Jonny Bowden, PhD, CNS, also known as “The Nutrition Myth Buster” ™ is a nationally known board-certified nutritionist and expert on diet and weight loss. He is the best-selling author of 15 books including The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth, Living Low Carb (now in its fourth edition), and is the co-author, with cardiologist Stephen Sinatra, of the controversial best-seller, “The Great Cholesterol Myth: Why Lowering Your Cholesterol Won’t Prevent Heart Disease and the Statin-Free Plan that Will”. His latest book, Smart Fat: Eat More Fat, Lose More Weight, Get Healthy Now!-- written with PBS star Steven Masley, MD--- was published by Harper Collins in January 2016.

About Palm Oil Health Blog

The Palm Oil Health and Nutrition blog is your resource for information on the health and nutritional benefits of Malaysian palm fruit oil and palm fruit oil bioactives. We provide breaking news and industry research, including the exciting potential for supporting cardiovascular and neurological health. Scientists, health experts and renowned chefs have come together to provide facts, health and nutrition advice, recipes and more, so check back often.