ICMR dietary guidelines 2024 highlight Palm Oil as a better dietary choice

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) have recently released the "Dietary Guidelines for Indians-2024," highlighting the nutritional significance of using a diverse variety of oil seeds, nuts, and whole grains for providing a balance of all fatty acids (lipids).

The guidelines underscored the essential role of dietary fats in nutrition. Fats provide concentrated energy, aid in the absorption of nutrients, and enhance the overall diet satisfaction. Among the oils recognized for their health benefits, palm oil was highlighted due to its balanced composition of fatty acids and rich nutrient profile. It is included alongside other beneficial oils such as groundnut, cottonseed, sesame, and olive, which are all noted for their high content of monounsaturated fatty acids.

Palm oil, in particular, helps lower blood cholesterol levels and these benefits are attributed to the oil's minor components like tocopherols and sterols, which are largely antioxidants. While palm oil and other plant-based oils are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, they also contain polyunsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic (n-6) and linolenic (n-3) acids, found only in plant foods.

“Like all vegetable oils, palm oil does not contain cholesterol, which is found only in animal-based foods. Instead, plant oils include beneficial substances such as lignans, sterols, tocopherols (vitamin E), oryzanol, and carotenoids, which are known to reduce cholesterol and oxidative damage associated with aging and chronic diseases,” stated the guidelines.

“The unique balance of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids in palm oil makes it a valuable addition to a healthy diet. The guidelines note that the low concentration of polyunsaturated fats in palm oil reduces its pro-inflammatory properties, and its balanced fatty acid composition can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels by increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.”

The comprehensive report emphasized the importance of a balanced intake of fats, recommending moderation and a variety of food sources to ensure a well-rounded nutritional profile. By making informed choices and integrating diverse food sources, individuals can enhance their well-being and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Reference: DIETARY GUIDELINES FOR INDIANS, ICMR- National Institute of Nutrition