Red Palm Oil

[CarolsCritterCare]

Red Palm Oil

Red Palm Oil is from the flesh of the fruit of the palm tree (Elaeis guineensis - not the coconut palm). Palm oil is extracted from the fruit of the oil palm tree that grows in tropical areas all over the world. It has been used in these areas for centuries. Red Palm Oil comes from the pulp of the fruit, while palm kernel oil is extracted from the kernel. Red Palm Oil gets its red (the redder, the better) color from high levels of carotenes. It is resistant to rancidity and solidifies quickly. It can be purchased as 100% certified Red Palm Oil under several different brand names.

Red Palm Oil is one of the richest sources of carotenes, specifically beta carotene, in terms of retinol (provitamin A) equivalents. Vitamin A can be highly toxic when derived from either synthetic or natural sources if taken in an overdose. The beta and alpha carotenes, in Red Palm Oil, can be taken in their natural state safely. They are nontoxic and provide the same benefit of pure Vitamin A. In a study in 1994, Red Palm Oil was found to provide 15 to 300 times the retinol equivalents as found in carrots, leafy greens and tomatoes. It contains, by far, more nutrients than any other dietary oil. In addition to beta-carotene, alpha-carotene and lycopene, it contains at least 20 other carotenes along with vitamin E, vitamin K, CoQ10, squalene, phytosterols, flavonoids, phenolic acids and glycolipids.

Red Palm Oil is very balanced. It has almost equal percentages of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. It possesses natural antioxidants. Antioxidants are the scavengers for free radicals. These free radicals have been associated with heart disease, cell aging, cancer, arthritis and in humans, Alzheimer disease. Red Palm Oil contains forms of Vitamin E called tocotrienols (4 types: alpha, beta, gamma and delta) and tocopherols (4 types: alpha, beta, gamma, and delta). Most diets contain only alpha tocopherols. Red Palm oil is the only oil that contains abundant tocotrienols, which are super antioxidants. HMG-CoA Reductase is present in the avian species and the above forms of Vitamin E inhibit the HMG-CoA Reductase, controlling the rate of cholesterol synthesis.

In avians, Red Palm Oil is recommended for dry skin, cardiovascular disease, muscle weakness, nutritional deficiencies, immune system weakness, feather problems, eye problems and reproductive disorders. A few clinical trials and anecdotal evidence have found lower cholesterol, vibrant plumage, improved heart function, cataract reversal and reduced incidence of bacterial and fungal infections. Keep in mind that the addition of RPO to a captive parrot's diet has NOT been studied.

Red Palm Oil can be another addition to the daily rotation list of EFA's (Essential Fatty Acids) including: Hemp Oil, Flax Oil, Seabuckthorn Oil and healthy nuts to keep you and your avian strong and healthy. You will be looking for the unrefined, virgin Red Palm Oil from an organic, sustainable source. But remember, that these are all fats and fats contain a vast amount of calories. In my opinion, 1/4 teaspoon a day of Red Palm oil along with a few nut pieces or sunflower seeds for a 500 gram or less parrot should satisfy the daily need for EFA's.