Heart Attack

• According to the Best Life Challenge, saturated fats lower good high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. Palm oil is made of 50 percent saturated fats. HDL cholesterol is good for the body because it protects the heart against heart attacks. Without the proper HDL cholesterol, the body is susceptible to heart attacks.

Heart Disease

• The palmitic acid in palm oil is linked to heart disease, according to the World Health Organization. Palmitic acid is a type of saturated fat that has adverse effects on cholesterol levels. The American Diabetes Association recommends eating less saturated fats, which includes palm oil, because it increases chances getting heart disease.

Cancer

• Palm oil contains carotenoids, which are powerful antioxidants. While carotenoids are good for the eyes and keep cholesterol from becoming rancid, they can increase a smoker's chance of getting lung cancer, according to Wellness Directory of Minnesota. In 2004, the Journal of the National Cancer Institute printed the results of a study that found beta-carotene to increase the risk of lung cancer, especially in smokers.