Description

Refined palm oil is used in many food and cosmetic products. It is rich in saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants. It is also highly moisturizing and protective for the skin. Palm oil has been associated with several health benefits, including protecting brain function, reducing risk factors for heart disease and improving vitamin A status. Palm oil production increased six-fold between 1990 and 2020, reaching over 73 million tonnes. Production takes place mainly in Indonesia and Malaysia, which account for 85% of global output. The remainder is produced in tropical countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America. The palm oil refining process involves several stages such as neutralization, bleaching and deodorization. The fractionation process is also used to separate saturated and unsaturated fatty acids.