Red palm oil is the unrefined, crude oil extracted from the flesh of the oil palm fruit, known for its distinctive reddish-orange color, strong earthy flavor, and rich content of antioxidants like carotenoids (provitamin A) and vitamin E tocotrienols. It serves as a culinary staple in West African cuisine, used for sautéing, frying, and flavoring dishes, and is also valued in cosmetics for its skin-moisturizing properties. While refined palm oil is common globally, red palm oil is a more artisanal product, recognized for its potent antioxidant qualities and unique flavor profile.
Red palm oil is a calorie-dense oil, with a tablespoon containing about 120 calories and 14 grams of fat, which is high in saturated fat and also provides monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. It is uniquely rich in antioxidants like carotenoids, which the body converts to Vitamin A, and also contains tocotrienols (a form of Vitamin E), phytosterols, and CoQ10. Due to these beneficial compounds, it's associated with various health benefits, including improved vitamin A status, potential protection for brain function and heart health, and antioxidant protection.
