5 Side Effects of Red Palm Oil
One of the most adaptable food products that you will come across is palm oil. It is used to prepare meals and is a component that is even a hidden ingredient in different types of dishes. The fruit of the African oil palm including both the seed and the flesh is used to make palm oil and red palm oil in particular.
![]() |
Avoid Using Red Palm Oil Daily |
Compared to bleached palm oil, red palm oil has less refinement. It is usually said to be a healthier option as it is more nutritious. But just like both sides of the coin, red palm oil comes with side effects on health. To find out about the side effects before you consume it, keep reading until the end.

What are the Beenefits of Using Regular Palm Oil while Cooking?
It Maintains Cholesterol Levels
Rich in Vitamin E
Contains Healthy Fats
Improves Vision
Has Anti-Ageing Properties
Read More...
What Happens When You Use Red Palm Oil?
Increased Chances of Diseases
Having higher contents of saturated fats than other oils appears as a side effect of cooking with red palm oil. It comes with disadvantages compared to other oils as saturated fats consumption comes with an increased risk of heart disease.
Higher Cholesterol Levels
It is known that Red palm contains vitamin E which may help heart health. But there are other components which make its effect negative on the heart. It is said to be less effective in lowering cholesterol when compared to other liquid vegetable oils. Also, it can increase the levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol. In comparison to olive oil, palm oil is said to raise cholesterol in healthy people.
Hair Staining
A red palm oil side effect on hair is that it could cause hair staining. The intense red colour of red palm oil could discolour your hair. Avoid using this oil as a leave-in conditioner if you have light-coloured hair. Make sure to rinse your hair after using it.
Irritates Skin
Red palm oil's side effects on the skin are quite obvious as there are a lot of carotenes. When any person consumes too much oil, it causes the skin to turn yellow. It is also possible that the skin might become red and inflamed as a result of using red palm oil topically to treat skin issues.
Has Trans Fatty Acids
You already know that the palm contains a lot of saturated fat. However, to achieve the same creaminess and consistency that is found in the finished product of this oil, other vegetable oils like sunflower, rapeseed, and soy with saturated fats, go through a process of hydrogenation.
As a result, trans fatty acid is a byproduct of hydrogenation which can harm the health of the people. However, it is known that red palm oil's side effects are harmful because it has hypercholesterolemia fat due to its high palmitic acid content.
Avoid Health Problems with Moderate Consumption
These are some of the side effects of red palm oil usage. It is crucial to keep in mind that you are using it moderately to avoid any side effects. Also, make sure to consult with your healthcare professional if you have any health issues already going on before consuming it.
Related Posts:
Is It Okay to Eat Palm Oil Everyday?