The myth about the influence of palm oil on cancer development has been debunked

For a long time, palm oil was associated with cancer risk. However, in reality, this product is safe, said Oleg Medvedev, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, Head of the Department of Pharmacology and the first Dean of the Faculty of Fundamental Medicine at Moscow State University, founder of the Research Center "Healthy Nutrition," in an interview with "Gazeta.Ru".

"Cancer risks are increased by trans fats, which are not present in palm oil. These are unsaturated fats with an altered chemical formula. Liquid vegetable oils are heated, a catalyst is added (usually nickel), and hydrogen is passed through them. As a result, the oil molecules become similar to saturated fats. However, this changes their structure, and they become trans fats - the most dangerous fats for humans," noted Medvedev.

Trans fats are also found in meat and dairy products obtained from ruminant animals (formed by the bacteria of cows, sheep, goats) - in amounts of 6-8%.

"And while we have learned to eliminate industrial trans fats, natural trans isomers cannot be removed from products. Therefore, it is important to monitor the amount of meat and dairy products in the diet," the doctor said.