Monday June 23, 2014 (foodconsumer.org) -- A new review study shows that palm oil, which is high in saturated fat, may be worse than the primary dietary fat such as vegetable oils, but better than trans fat.  

Researchers found palm oil diets were associated with a mixed lipid profile (good and bad biomarkers) as compared with the primary dietary fat/oils and they were associated with increased levels of only good biomarkers as compared with trans fat rich diets.  The review of more than 40 studies suggests that palm oil may not be as good as vegetable oils which are low in saturated fat, but better than trans fat.

Considered biomarkers in the studies subject to the review included "total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, TC/HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol/HDL cholesterol, triacylglycerols, apolipoprotein A-I and B, very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and lipoprotein(a)."

Both  trans fat and saturated fat are considered risk factors for heart disease and both may also contribute to type 2 diabetes mellitus.  Other studies show that among vegetables, corn oil, canola oil and soy bean oil contain a type of vitamin E that is harmful to the lung.  It seems that monounsaturated fat rich vegetable oils such as olive oil and sunflower oilare among the best dietary fats people can use. (david Liu, PHD)

Fattore E, Bosetti C, Brighenti F, Agostoni C, Fattore G.  Palm oil and blood lipid-related markers of cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of dietary intervention trials.  Am J Clin Nutr. 2014 Apr 9;99(6):1331-1350.