Tag: Plant oils

A common misconception suggests that certain botanical oils contain high levels of vitamin C, but the reality is that vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is water-soluble and does not occur naturally in significant amounts within plant oils. The oils often marketed for their vitamin C content, such as rosehip or sea buckthorn, actually contain oil-soluble derivatives or precursors of the vitamin, which offer similar benefits, especially for skin health.

According to estimates, approximately 68% of the world's population experiences lactose malabsorption, making the question "Are plant-based butter lactose free?" highly relevant. The simple answer is that since it is made from plants, it is naturally free of lactose.

The carnivore diet, at its most strict interpretation, excludes all plant-based foods, including oils derived from plants. While this might seem like a major restriction, the diet emphasizes animal-based fats, which are considered crucial for energy and nutrition on a zero-carb plan.

Hexadecanoic acid, the most common saturated fatty acid found in animals, plants, and microorganisms, is a fundamental building block of life. Also known as palmitic acid, this compound's extensive presence means its sources are both diverse and widespread.

According to the American Heart Association, dietary lipids should make up 25-35% of total daily calories, and these fats come from a variety of sources. Understanding what are the sources of lipids is crucial for maintaining a healthy and balanced diet.

Over 50% of the outer skin layer, or epidermis, is composed of ceramides, which act as a mortar holding skin cells together. Understanding what oil has the most ceramides can unlock a natural approach to repairing the skin barrier, boosting hydration, and protecting against environmental stressors. These potent, plant-derived lipids, also known as phytoceramides, are found in various oils and can significantly improve skin health.

While most people are familiar with tocopherols, an estimated 70% of the vitamin E family found in palm oil is comprised of tocotrienols. These potent compounds, known as 'super vitamin E,' are gaining attention for their superior antioxidant activity and health-promoting properties. If you're wondering what foods have vitamin E tocotrienols, you'll discover that they are primarily found in specific plant-based oils and grains, not the more common sources of vitamin E.

While plant-based foods have surged in popularity, offering numerous health benefits, the quality of these alternatives can vary significantly. This leads to a critical question: is plant butter unhealthy, or is it a wholesome substitute for dairy butter?

Over 95% of all dietary fats are in the form of triglycerides. It is this triglyceride structure—a glycerol molecule bonded to three fatty acids—that answers the question: are both animal fats and plant oils made up of glycerol? The essential difference between fats and oils lies not in this shared glycerol backbone, but in the nature of the fatty acids attached to it.

Around 70% of the world's glycerol supply now comes as a byproduct of biodiesel production. For those curious, what is glycerol made of in food and how does it end up in our edible products?