10th July 2025 (13 Topics)

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Palm Oil and Health

Context:

The Indian Food and Beverage Association (IFBA) has challenged negative claims about palm oil, calling labels like “palm oil free” misleading, thereby reigniting a science-based debate on its health impacts as per ICMR dietary guidelines.

Palm Oil and Health

Nutritional Composition of Palm Oil

Palm oil contains approximately 40g of saturated fatty acids (SFA) and 40g of mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) per 100g.
It is semi-solid at room temperature and does not require hydrogenation, hence contains negligible trans fatty acids (TFA).
Compared to coconut oil and ghee (which have ~90g and ~70g of SFA respectively), palm oil has relatively lower SFA content.

ICMR Guidelines on Edible Oils

The ICMR dietary guidelines recommend limiting oil intake to 20–50 grams/day/person, depending on physical activity levels.
Oils high in poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and low in SFA are preferred. Recommended alternatives include mustard, sunflower, safflower oils.
Reheating oils, especially PUFA-rich oils, is discouraged due to oxidation and formation of harmful compounds.

Health Implications of Different Fats

SFA-rich oils can increase LDL cholesterol, promoting inflammation and risk of cardiovascular diseases and type-2 diabetes.
Hydrogenated oils (containing trans fats) are associated with cancer risks, neurological disorders, and pregnancy complications.
Palm oil offers the benefit of tocotrienols, a form of Vitamin E that may help reduce cholesterol, but its SFA content necessitates moderation.

Palm Oil

Palm oil is an edible vegetable oil extracted from the mesocarp (reddish pulp) of the fruit of oil palm trees (mainly Elaeisguineensis).
Forms & Uses:
- Found in processed foods, chocolates, biscuits, cosmetics, soaps, shampoos, detergents, and as a biofuel (crude palm oil in biodiesel = “green diesel”).
- Has a neutral taste, long shelf life, and stable cooking properties.

Global Production & Trade

Native Origin: Africa (particularly West Africa).
Top Producers:
- Indonesia – Largest global producer.
- Malaysia – Second-largest.
- Together they account for ~85% of global palm oil supply.

India’s Position

India = Largest importer of palm oil globally.
- Imports over 8.3 million tonnes annually.
- 40% of India’s vegetable oil consumption comes from palm oil.
Key Suppliers:Indonesia supplies nearly half of India’s annual palm oil needs.
Leading States in India: Andhra Pradesh (Largest contributor), Telangana, Kerala
National Mission on Edible Oil – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP):
- Launched in 2021.
- Goal: Boost domestic cultivation and reduce import dependency.
- Focus areas: North-East India & Andaman and Nicobar Islands (favorable climate).
- Includes financial assistance for planting material, irrigation, and oil palm processing units.

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BRICS 17th Summit

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Gambhira-Mujpur Bridge Collapse

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Cloudbursts in Himachal Pradesh

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Severe Waterlogging in Delhi

Disaster Management

Keeladi Excavation:

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Dr.Syama Prasad Mookerjee

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Himachal Pradesh’s NAS 2025 Surge

Governance

India–Namibia Strengthen Strategic Cooperation

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India’s Strategic Engagement in Critical Minerals Clubs

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GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

Palm Oil and Health