Why do we sneeze and cough when boiling palm oil?

 

Have you ever wondered why you cough when you boil palm oil? It's not just a coincidence or a sign of bad luck. There is actually a scientific explanation behind this phenomenon, and it involves enzymes.

Enzymes are biological molecules that act as catalysts, speeding up chemical reactions in living organisms. They are essential for many processes in our bodies, such as digestion, metabolism, and immunity. However, some enzymes can also cause problems when they interact with certain substances in the environment.

One of these enzymes is called lipase (tryosinases). Lipase is responsible for breaking down fats into fatty acids and glycerol. It is found in many places, such as the pancreas, the saliva, and the palm oil itself. When palm oil is fresh, it contains a lot of lipase that helps preserve its quality and flavor. But when palm oil is heated, the lipase becomes unstable and starts to degrade the oil.

This degradation produces free fatty acids, which lower the pH of the oil and make it more acidic. The acidic oil then releases vapors that irritate the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, causing coughing and sneezing. This is similar to what happens when you cut an onion or eat spicy food.

So, how can you avoid coughing when boiling palm oil? There are a few ways to reduce the amount of lipase in the oil and prevent its degradation. One way is to store the oil in a cool and dark place, away from heat and light. Another way is to add some salt or vinegar to the oil before heating it, which will neutralize some of the free fatty acids. A third way is to use refined palm oil instead of crude palm oil, which has less lipase and other impurities.

However, these methods may also affect the taste and nutritional value of the oil, so you may want to weigh the pros and cons before trying them. Alternatively, you can just wear a mask or cover your nose and mouth when boiling palm oil, which will block the vapors from reaching your respiratory system.

Now you know which enzyme is responsible for coughing when boiling palm oil, and how to prevent it. Next time you cook with this versatile oil, you can enjoy its benefits without suffering its side effects.