Canola oil, which is produced from tiny canola seeds, is touted as a healthy cooking oil option. Besides its intrinsic flavours, it contains the lowest amount of saturated fat. But like everything else in life, oils too have their health profits and losses. So before you make that switch to Canola oil, make sure you read these facts.
10 important facts you need to know about canola oil
1.
2. Canola oil, which is produced from tiny canola seeds, is touted
as a healthy cooking oil option. Besides its intrinsic flavours, it
contains the lowest amount of saturated fat. But like
everything else in life, oils too have their health profits and
losses. So before you make that switch to Canola oil, make
sure you read these facts.
3. 1. Canola is not a naturally grown plant, but comes from
rapeseed plant which is part of the mustard family of
plants and was never meant to be for human
consumption. It is mainly used for lubricant and fuel sap
and as a base for synthetic rubber.
4. 2. It is believed to have high levels of erucic acid, which is
harmful. This is NOT true. Canola oil is extracted from rapeseed
plant, which contains high levels of erucic acid. But the canola
oil we get in the market has low levels of this acid and
therefore not harmful.
5. 3. It is cheap to grow and harvest canola. It is mainly grown in
Canada.
4. Canola can cause problems of emphysema, respiratory
distress, constipation, stress and irritability. It can also cause
blindness and mad cow disease in animals.
6. 5. Research proves that canola has trans isomers, due to
the refining process. This can affect our metabolism and
block our normal enzyme function. It is a vegetable oil
that is partially hydrogenated, which can be harmful.
Some health crusaders are calling for its ban.
7.
8. 6. There are many packaged and processed foods that contain
canola like margarine, breads, peanut butter and potato chips.
7. Canola is also the most-used ingredient in the production of
toxic chemical pesticides. It is known to chemically alter food as
it is chemically removed and deodarised.
9. 6. There are many packaged and processed foods that contain
canola like margarine, breads, peanut butter and potato chips.
7. Canola is also the most-used ingredient in the production of
toxic chemical pesticides. It is known to chemically alter food as
it is chemically removed and deodarised.
10. 8. Canola oil has just seven per cent saturated fats. It also has high
amounts of good monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, along
with vitamin E.
9. Canola is non-allergic as it does not contain the proteins that cause
the body's immune system to react to certain foods. It rarely causes
any allergies.
10. It has a long shelf life and can be stored at room temperature, for
up to one year. It is advisable to store it in a cool and dark place for
best use.