Mumbai,
January 19, 2026 : Leading experts in nutrition science, food
regulation, cardiology and oil technology called for a science-led conversation
around palm oil and its role in human health, nutrition and sustainability
unfolded at Harcourt Butler Technical University (HBTU), Kanpur, during a
half-day seminar entitled “Palm Oil’s Role in Human Health, Nutrition, and
Sustainability: The Balanced Truth.”
Jointly
organised by the Department of Oil Technology, HBTU Kanpur, and the Oil
Technologists’ Association of India (OTAI), Central Zone, the seminar
brought together experts from nutrition science, medical research, food
regulation, sustainability and oil technology to cut through long-standing
myths and present evidence-based perspectives on palm oil.
The
seminar served as a platform for constructive, science-driven dialogue on one
of the world’s most widely consumed edible oils. Palm oil plays a vital role in
India’s food system due to its affordability, functional versatility and
reliability across a wide range of cooking and processing applications. Its
stable supply and wide usage contribute significantly to meeting the country’s
edible oil demand, supporting food security for households, food service
operators and the packaged food industry alike.
Scientific
insights shared during the seminar highlighted that palm oil is a balanced mix
of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, making it suitable for everyday
cooking when consumed as part of a balanced diet. Its high oxidative stability
allows it to perform well under high-heat cooking conditions, helping preserve
food quality and reduce the formation of harmful compounds compared to other
vegetable oils.
Palm
oil is also a natural source of Vitamin E tocotrienols, known for their
antioxidant properties. Discussions emphasised that overall dietary patterns,
lifestyle choices and moderation play a far greater role in health outcomes
than the exclusion of any single cooking oil.
The
discussions also aligned with the objectives of the National Mission on
Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP), launched by the Government of India in
2021 to strengthen domestic edible oil production and promote sustainable
agricultural practices. Speakers during the seminar highlighted the efficiency
of oil palm as a crop, noting that it delivers higher yield per hectare compared
to other major vegetable oil crops. When supported by responsible cultivation
methods, scientific research, and sustainability frameworks, oil palm farming
can contribute to rural livelihoods, economic development, and long-term food
security.
Speaking
on the significance of the seminar, Prof. Praveen Yadav, Dean, School of
Chemical Technology Harcourt Butler Technical University, Kanpur said,
“Palm oil often finds itself at the centre of polarised debates. What forums
like this achieve is balance, grounding opinions in science, context and
responsibility. When we look at health, nutrition and sustainability together
rather than in isolation, we are better equipped to make informed choices, both
as professionals and as consumers.”
The
seminar highlighted the importance of science-based communication in shaping
perspectives on palm oil in India and promoting balanced, responsible dietary
practices.
