DEBATE OVER CANOLA OIL

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There has always been debate over which oils are to be considered as ‘healthy’. Canola oil is extracted by processing rapeseed to have lower levels of erucic acid and glucosinlates. Rapeseed is a crop in Brassica family, related to mustard, cabbage, and broccoli and contains more than 40 percent oil. Canola oil was introduced in 1970s and has become third largest vegetable oil to be used.

Additionally, canola oil contains some phytonutrients, including tocopherols, which have some health promoting properties. The oil has increased demand due to its properties like oleic acid and balance of omega-6 and omega-3 oils,including a fair amount of ALA,all of which have been correlated to reduction in risk against any chronic diseases. Even unrefined canola oil contains antioxidants which includes vitamin E, coenzyme Q and phytosterols.

Benefits of Canola Oil

Nutrient Contents

Canola oil does not carry a good source for nutrients, but one tablespoon (15ml) of oil delivers following nutrient content:

Vitamin E- 12% of the Reference Daily Intake( RDI)

Vitamin K- 12% of the RDI

Aside from Vitamin E and K, canola oil is devoid of any other vitamins and minerals.

Fatty Acid Composition

Saturated Fat- 7%

Polyunsaturated fat- 28%

Monounsaturated fat- 64%

The polyunsaturated fat in canola oil include 21% linoleic acid- commonly known as omega-6 and 11% alpha -linolenic (ALA).

ALA boosts level of the omega-3 fats DHA and EPA, which are critical for heart and brain health.

Though, body can convert ALA into DHA and EPA, research shows that this process is highly inefficient. Still, ALA benefits in reducing risks of fracture and protect against heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Downsides of Canola Oil

While processing, most conventional oils go through many stages, including high heat, deodorizing, exposure to solvents, and more which impacts the composition of the final oil.

The processing specially heating can turn heart healthy fats into trans fat. Some of the rapeseed showed levels of acetone, benzene and toluene. Another concern regarding canola oil is that it is genetically modified very frequently.

Negative Impacts Of Consuming Canola Oil

  • A study showed that it had an impact on markers of Alzheimer’s disease. Those who consumed the oil had a significant deficit in working memory and a decrease in the immunoreactivity of a synaptic protein, PSD95. 
  • The impact also leads to gradual increase in the body weight.
  • Canola oil consist of oxidative LDL and MDA levels and a reduction in PON1 activity which increase the risk of atherosclerosis.
  • Consumption lead to reduced antioxidant status and higher level of plasma lipids which result into increased oxidative stress and ultimately increased blood pressure.

However, for mostly all oils, its important to note that cooking and heat will lead to changes in the structure and constituents of that oil.

While, organic, cold pressed canola oil may have health promoting compounds but mostly it is used for high-heat cooking. Canola oil having relatively low ratio of antioxidants to PUFA, may lead to significant losses of antioxidants and increase lipid peroxidation, depending on temperature and time.

But still, the research study are in process to verify that canola oil shall be considered ‘healthy’ or in ‘unhealthy’ category.

By-

Tanishka Grover

Chair, Reporters’ Committee, INBA