Elaeis (from Greek, meaning "oil") is a genus of palms containing two species called oil palms. Elaeis guineensis is a species of palm commonly called African oil palm or macaw-fat. They are used in commercial agriculture for the production of palm oil.

Mature palms are single-stemmed and grow to about 20m tall. The leaves are pinnate and reach between 3-5 m long. A young palm produces about 30 leaves a year while established palms which are over 10 years produce about 20 leaves a year. The flowers are produced in dense clusters; each individual flower is small, having three of both sepals and petals. The palm fruit takes 5-6 months to reach maturity from pollination. It is reddish, about the size of a large plum and grows in large bunches. Each fruit is made up of an oily, fleshy outer layer (the pericarp) with a single seed (the palm kernel), rich in oil. When ripe, each bunch of fruit weighs between 5–30 kg (11–66 lbs) depending on the age of the palm tree.

Since palm oil contains more saturated fats than oils made from canola, corn, linseed, soybeans, safflower and sunflowers, it can withstand extreme deep-frying heat and resist oxidation. It contains no trans-fat therefore usage in food has increased as food-labelling laws have changed to specify trans-fat content. Oil from Elaeis guineensis is also used as biofuel.

Palm oil is an extremely useful vegetable oil that is derived from various types of oil palms. Naturally a reddish-orange color because of its very high beta-carotene content, it is also one of the very few naturally saturated vegetable fats. This means that it is often used to increase the LDL cholesterol in a person’s body; which helps to prevent cardiovascular disease. It is commonly used as cooking oil in Africa, Southeast Asia and certain countries in South America. Palm oil has become more popular in other parts of the world in recent years because of the health concerns around having too many trans-fats in the diet.

Some of its other health benefits include its ability to: improve energy levels, vision, prevent cancer, premature aging, boost the immune system, protect against heart diseases and nourish pregnant women.

Today most cosmetics, soaps, shampoos, conditioners, creams and other products contain palm oil and its derivatives. This is because red palm oil may be a good solution for skin related problems. The oil is rich in natural elements that can help to heal sunburn, stretch marks and deeply moisturize the skin especially for sufferers of dry and sensitive skin. Palm oil in cleansing soaps contains a special agent that helps to remove dirt and restore the natural balance of skin oils, leaving the skin with a smooth, silky feel.

ALSO SEE
CASSAVA  PLANTAIN  MAIZE  ALL FOOD CROPS