Newspatrolling.com News cum Content Syndication Portal Online
Boycotting palm oil won’t solve India’s health problems or serve its interests
Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modiji’s clarion call to curb obesity has reignited discussions on responsible consumption and healthy eating habits. He urged Indians to cut down edible oil consumption by 10%, citing the country’s rising obesity rates. This reduction is crucial since the average Indian consumes 19.7 kg of edible oil per year, exceeding the recommended 12 kg/annum advised by ICMR and health experts. This overconsumption contributes to obesity across the country, including children. A key driver of this unhealthy trend is the increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs).
A 2023 WHO report highlights that India’s UPF market surged from $900 million in 2006 to $37.9 billion in 2019. The Economic Survey FY25 also noted this, calling for stricter regulation of misleading nutrition claims, setting limits on salt and sugar, and enforcing compliance among UPF brands. UPFs, high in refined sugars, sodium, artificial additives, and unhealthy fats, pose serious health risks. While excessive consumption of these ingredients contributes to various cardiovascular diseases, fats often receive the most criticism. However, the real issue is overall consumption patterns, a point emphasised by both Hon’ble Prime Minister Modiji and renowned cardiologist Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty.
Dr. Shetty, Chairman and MD of Narayana Health, advocates for a balanced diet with limited carbohydrates and emphasises preventive health measures such as regular walking, maintaining good posture, practicing yoga, quitting smoking, and tracking one’s health. Monitoring weight, heart health, and metabolism is especially important for individuals over 40 years of age.
Going Palm Oil Free Is Not the Solution
Boycotting palm oil is not a viable solution for the masses, the government or FMCG companies. Switching to alternate oils like sunflower or soyabean could lead to even more deforestation and pose an even greater threat to biodiversity. One ton of palm oil can be produced on as little as one-eighth of the land needed for soybean, sunflower, and rapeseed oils. Given that global demand for oil is expected to rise, replacing oil palm with other crops may worsen economic and environmental challenges rather than solving them.
Known for its unique properties, palm oil is favoured by companies due to its versatility and high efficiency. Misinformation and limited awareness about palm oil’s nutritional profile have led to scepticism, often overshadowing its health, economic, and strategic importance. In fact, when consumed as part of a balanced diet, palm oil’s balanced fatty acid composition can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
By Dr Anupam Barik, Former Additional Commissioner (Oilseeds), Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India
