Fractionated
Posted by Sarah88 on Jun 11, 2007 · Member since Jul 2006 · 140 posts
I got some carob chips from the HFS and I see it says fractionated palm oil in the ingredients. What is fractionated oil? When I searched it, I read that it is not good for me and that it is similar to hydrogenated oil.
Does anyone know anything about this?
Fractionated oils have a fraction of the saturated fat removed. It makes a solid fat softer and more "liquidy."
Hydrogenated oil has hydrogen added to the oil. It makes a soft or liquid fat more solid.
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I think fractionation keeps oils from going rancid. There's a difference between palm oil and palm kernel oil. Palm oil can be produced with minimal processing by pressing the pulp. It is naturally high in vitamin E, so it's a source of antioxidants.. Palm kernel oil takes a lot of processing. Oil is extracted from the pit with a solvent and then fractionated to obtain certain fatty acids. During processing, palm kernel oil loses its health benefits and isn't really good for you.
Oh, darn, I thought this was going to be a math question. :'(
;D