Palm oil is found in many products we use daily, like food, beauty items, and biofuel. However, making palm oil causes harm to the environment due to deforestation. Researchers in Scotland have created a new alternative to palm oil.
Scientists from Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh made a plant-based oil called PALM-ALT, which is better for the environment and our health. PALM-ALT is 70% more eco-friendly, more sustainable, and leads to less loss of biodiversity. It's also healthier than palm oil, with 80% less saturated fat and 30% fewer calories.
This research could change how things are produced because about half of the food and cosmetics we buy contain palm oil. The use of palm oil is increasing, which means more trees get cut down in tropical areas. PALM-ALT is made from a by-product from the linseed flower and rapeseed oil. Researcher Catriona Liddle talked to the BBC about PALM-ALT, calling it the "holy grail" to replace palm oil. She found it performs the same as palm oil and couldn't be distinguished in sensory tests. Now, she hopes businesses will use it instead of regular palm oil.
18 Sep, 2023