Palm oil is essentially rich in both the saturated palmitic (45%) and monounsaturated oleic acids (40%). In the latest authoritative review of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (Sept. 2004), palm oil is regarded as palmitic-oleic rich oil and not as solely palmitic acid rich oil. This natural combination of palmitic acid and oleic acid in the palm oil makes palm oil a neutral fat in relation to cholesterol metabolism and regulation. American Palm Oil Council, Mohd Salleh Kassim, 310-944-3910.