Also known as Macaw Fat Tree
Origin: Angola and Gambia
As discussed in my book The Civilized Jungle, Volume I
“I am rather conflicted regarding this beautiful palm, as part of the terrible out–of–control deforestation of the magnificent (and critical to humanity’s survival) South American Rain forest is being done to create space for commercially growing these palms for this very product. In Africa and India, as well, large areas of virgin tropical forests have also been cleared to make room for vast Oil Palm plantations, destroying critical habitat for endangered species such as elephants, rhinos, and tigers.”
That noted, however, the use of Palm oil goes back thousands of years, with the oldest record dating from 3,000 BC when archaeologists discovered palm oil encased in a tomb in Abydos, Egypt.
Crude Palm oil comes from squeezing the fleshy fruit, while Palm kernel oil is derived from crushing the “nut” in the fruit’s middle. In the past, the majority of the world’s Palm oil – nearly 85% – came from Indonesia and Malaysia. . . but now, the ever-increasingly large plantations are in South America and Africa!
Palm oil is a very productive crop offering a far greater yield at a lower cost of production than other vegetable oils, hence its extensive use. And, 80% of all Palm oil is used in the preparation of food products, such as bread, chocolate, cooking oils, margarine, and pizzas, while the rest has industrial applications.
Beyond its nutritional and health benefits, a commercial vendor described the oil from the Elaeis guineensis as “an intoxicating blend of earthy depth and nutty sophistication, a perfume of the tropics that whisks me away to lush groves where the palm trees sway with quiet confidence.” Poeticism aside, it’s a good source of vitamin E (tocopherols – which reduces the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and certain cancers, as well as playing an important role in brain function, skin health, and vision; and tocotrienols – that provide antioxidant protection, reducing inflammation and supporting enhanced bone, cardiovascular and neurological health).
They are rich in carotenoids (beta-carotene). This is another powerful antioxidant that helps protect skin cells from damage, assists with maintaining good skin health, and potentially reduces the effects of sun exposure, is essential for vision – helps protect against age-related macular degeneration, thwarts heart disease, age-related cognitive decline, and is vital for a healthy immune system, helping the body
fight off infections and illnesses.
Furthermore, research suggests that a diet rich in beta-carotene may reduce the risk of certain cancers, including those of the breast, lung, and oral cavity, help lower the chance of heart disease by protecting against free radical damage and inflammation, improve cognitive function, improve respiratory and pulmonary function, may have a protective effect on liver damage and help deal with oral leukoplakia, a condition where thick white patches form on the gums.
Additionally, its phytosterols are related to cholesterol management and further cardiovascular health; squalene is known as a skin hydrator and potential aid in managing inflammatory conditions, as well as being linked to anti-cancer and cardioprotective activities; and coenzyme Q10 plays an important role in cellular energy production, may enhance heart health, reduce migraine frequency, and potentially benefit fertility.
Palm oil is reported to fight cancer, headaches, indolent tumors, and rheumatism, and it has anodyne, aphrodisiac, and antidotal properties. (Speaking of “properties” and “dotal,” one can only wonder how in the world a simple, unassuming, and wholly non-disagreeable palm oil might be opposed to that latter word! As I recall, ‘dotal’ refers to something pertaining to the dowry a bride’s family gives to her husband or his family at the time of marriage. Such might be money, property, or other assets wholly separate from the husband’s property. How and why would this simple palm product possibly be adverse to such a thing? Ahhh, the fun of words!)
Betrothals notwithstanding, in Guinea, this oil is applied to wounds as a vulnerary. Whereas, the Bubis (a Bantu ethnic group) from the Island of Fernando Po make a poultice from this oil, which they apply to wounds. In Equatorial West Africa, some of its parts have long been used as a diuretic and as a laxative. In South-Eastern Nigeria, it is used to treat various diseases and skin infections. And beyond all of that, a decoction of it can be taken orally to treat epilepsy.
All told – quite impressive!
