The Truth About Canola Oil


Many of us have grown up using this oil for every form of cooking (I know I did!). We see it in just about every grocery store and for a comprehensive reason. It is the 3rd largest consumed oil in the world. Canola oil is described as a "heart-healthy" oil that can reduce the risk of heart-related diseases and diabetes. It is also praised for having the least amount of saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol. [1] To a consumer and a health-conscious person this sounds like a pretty good deal as canola oil is extremely affordable. There is, however, more to this oil than what meets the eye.


Where does Canola oil come from?

This product was actually developed from hybridization of a plant called rapeseed in early 1970's. Rapeseed is an oil known for the production of biodiesel and lubricant for jet engines. This oil also contains a significant amount of Erucic acid which has the ability to cause cardiac damage when consumed in large doses[2]. This rendered the oil inedible. To fix this, the plant was cross-bred to develop a plant that did not contain these high levels of Erucic acid. The new plant was then changed Canola; a combination of the words "Canadian" and "oil", but was aforenamed LEAR (low erucic acid rapeseed).


What are the Concerns?

Canola is a referred to as a refined, bleached and deodorized (RBD) oil. This is the process it goes through before hitting our shelves. It is subjected to high temperatures and chemicals that may harm our bodies. In short: its a highly processed product. Majority of marketed canola oil today is a drought and disease-resistant variety that was created in 1998 using none other than a genetical modification process. A study has produced that tested GMO crops have shown liver and kidney disruption in mammals [4, 5].

Even with all the trouble that they went through with cross-breeding the plants to rid it of this acid, there are still trace amounts of Erucic acid in canola oil. If a person is using this oil on a daily basis this can cause an accumulated intake of this acid resulting in problematic heart trouble such as coronary heart disease.[6]

A claim as well on behalf of canola is the reduced amount of trans fats. A study published in the Journal of Food Lipids discovered a bit more:
"The trans contents were between 0.56% and 4.2% of the total fatty acids. Consumers will obtain isomerized essential fatty acids from vegetable oils currently marketed in the U. S… A large portion of canola oil used in processed food has been hardened through the hydrogenation process, which introduces levels of trans fatty acids into the final product as high as 40 percent"

Trans fatty acids are artificial fats found in processed foods mainly the ones that are created with partially hydrogenated oils. Indulging in a high trans fat diet can lead to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke [7,8] 

Alternatives 

Here is a list of some available alternatives to Canola oil:

  • Coconut oil
  • Red Palm oil
  • Olive oil
  • Avacado oil 
  • Ghee
  • Organic pasture-raised butter
If you do decide to make the switch, try to aim for unrefined and GMO-free products. Also, beware and read the labels as some companies add Canola oil into the mix of these fine oils.



Disclaimers

  • All product reviews are based on my experiences. Please be advised that everyone may not have the same experience. I am not affiliated with any product or marketing unless otherwise noted. Please check with manufacture disclaimers prior to use of any product.
  • All advice, information, and remedies should be taken into severe consideration. Please contact your health practitioner or holistic practitioner if you are struggling with a disease or currently taking any form of medication, pregnant or breastfeeding.



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