KOMPAs.com -The Prabowo-Gibran free nutritious meal program which will start Monday (6/1/2025) will use red edible oil. This was conveyed by the Minister of Cooperatives (Menkop) Budi Arie Setiadi.
Red edible oil is a palm oil-based product that is processed without bleaching (bleaching) and deodorization.
This edible oil is increasingly attracting public attention because of claims about its health benefits.
Also read: Coordinating Minister for Small and Medium Enterprises Teten believes that Red Edible Oil will bring prosperity to farmers
This product also has great potential to support the free nutritious meal (MBG) program, as stated by Budi Arie.
Red edible oil is produced by farmer cooperatives and is claimed to have higher nutritional content than regular palm oil.
Nutritional content of red edible oil
According to the Palm Oil Research Center (PPKS), red edible oil retains phytonutrient compounds which include:
- Carotene: Source of provitamin A which functions as an antioxidant to improve the immune system, eye and skin health.
- Vitamin E (Tocopherols and Tocotrienols): Useful as an antioxidant to support heart health and immune function.
- Squalene: Known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, important for healthy skin and immunity.
- Oleic acid and linoleic acid: These are omega-9 and omega-6 fatty acids that support brain development, especially in children.
Benefits of red edible oil
The following are the benefits of red edible oil:
Also read: What is Jokowi’s endorsement of Red Edible Oil?
- Functional food: Red edible oil can be used as an anti-stunting food solution because of its rich nutritional content, such as vitamins A and E.
- Supports children’s brain development: The oleic acid content plays a role in the formation of brain cell membranes, while linoleic acid helps transmit cellular signals in the brain.
- Heart and immune health: Vitamin E in red edible oil supports cardiovascular function and the immune system.
- Skin health: Squalene contributes to skin health through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Red edible oil can be used for various cooking needs, such as stir-frying, salad dressing, and raw material for margarine. This product is also suitable as an additional nutritional intake because of its rich content.
Potential risks that need to be considered
Even though it is rich in nutrients, red edible oil has a relatively high saturated fat content compared to other vegetable oils, such as olive oil. This can increase “bad” cholesterol (LDL) levels if consumed in excess.
Red edible oilTherefore, it is important to consult a nutritionist or doctor before taking it as a supplement or including it in your daily diet.
Red edible oil offers great benefits as a healthier oil alternative with high nutritional content.
Also read: The government is ready to absorb red edible oil made by cooperatives
As a product that supports the free nutritious food program, red edible oil not only plays a role in improving community nutrition, but also strengthens the role of farmer cooperatives in Indonesia.
However, you still need to pay attention to its use so that the benefits can be obtained optimally without causing health risks.
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