I was somewhat surprised to see palm kernel oil, fractionated palm kernel oil and a partially hydrogenated oil listed as ingredients in nutrition bars that a local medical weight loss clinic mandates to be ingested 2-3 times a day.

Is this widespread or not? When I asked about these substances specifically no-one was willing to address the health hazards associated with them, but went on a spiel about how their program does work, etc. etc. etc. They got downright pissy that I dared to challenge their products.

Any thoughts?

Thomas

It's the other ingredients you have to worry about, not palm kernel oil, which is very stable compared to highly unsaturated oils. Search this group for montygram and read some of my previous posts for more details.

But palm kernel oil is a big bad saturated fat...? Why put it in the products at all?

Thomas

Thomas,

Though palm kernel oil is largely saturated, it is not a bad fat. It's composition resembles another healthy oil--coconut oil. Clean sources of saturated fat promote health in many ways. During the last few decades saturated fat has been vilified in order to promote the sale of the many unhealthy vegetable oils on the market.

While it is true that saturated fat can raise cholesterol levels, this is not always a bad thing--particularly for the elderly. Saturated fat can also lower cholesterol levels. It depends on whether your levels are high or low to begin with.

Mike

Oh, by the way, Thomas, I am sure you know to keep away from those bars which have partially hydrogenated oils in them. These fats are real killers and can contribute to weight gain. The trans fats in them cause body fat cells to get fatter. I think you would be best advised to keep away from those bars which have soy in them as well.

Mike

Topic: 100 times more powerful, 1,000 times safer.

Jabbo,

What is metformin and are you serious about consuming 2 gallons of coconut oil in six weeks!? I use coconut oil and could not imagine eating that much in a year!

Sally B.