Tuesday July 15, 2014 (foodconsumer.org) -- Palm oil is considered a healthy substitute for trans fat as the latter is known to not only increase bad cholesterol, but also reduce good cholesterol.  However, a new study suggests that palm oil which is high in saturated fat can negatively affect mood at least in mice.

Excess fat intake is known to have an impact on neuropsychiatric functions associated with cognition, mood and anxiety.

In the study, palmitic acid administered by intraperitoneal (IP) injection induced anxiety-like behavior at 24 hours after the treatment in mice, but did not cause impairment in locomotion, food intake, depressive-like behavior or spatial memory.

One previous study suggests that palm oil may not be a good substitute for trans fat for people already with elevated levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol.

In a couple of previous studies, palm oil high in saturated fat was found not to be a good substitute for trans fat.  The saturated fat in palm oil can also increase low density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Then another study found that although palm oil is not as good as vegetable oil, it is healthier than trans fat.

Studies have shown high intake of saturated fat, which can increase LDL too, and trans fat can increase risk of diabetes.

Comment: The best oils that humans can consume may be olive oil and sunflower oil, which are high in monounsaturated fatty acids.  (David Liu, PHD)

Reference:  Moon ML, Joesting JJ, Lawson MA, Chiu GS, Blevins NA, Kwakwa KA, Freund GG.  The saturated fatty acid, palmitic acid, induces anxiety-like behavior in mice.  Metabolism. 2014 Jun 9.