Insight into Community Perceptions and Awareness Levels on the Consumption of Palm Oil and Its Impact on Health

Abstract

The present research project investigates the perceptions and awareness of the community on the issue of the consumption of palm oil and its health effects in the Greater Noida area. Although more and more is being discussed worldwide about the health risks and environmental impacts related to palm oil, it is not well understood at the community level, especially among the low-and middle-income communities. To obtain primary data, 18 respondents (semi-urban and rural communities) were given a structured Google form questionnaire that involved their consumption habits, their awareness of the health consequences of palm oil, and their sources of information The results indicate extensive consumption of palm oil in its cheapness and accessibility combined with lack of knowledge about possible association with health-related illnesses like heart disease and obesity. There was also the impact of media, socioeconomic status, and cultural beliefs; hence, the perception of the people. This paper highlights the necessity of specific urgency, health education, proper policies on food labelling, and non-discriminative communication strategies to empower the community to make better food decisions and minimize the health risks caused by eating palm oil over time.