Reasons to stay AWAY from canola oil.
Canola oil is a commonly used oil, and it eve marketed as a ‘healthy’ oil, but this could not be further from the truth.
If you’re wondering which natural source canola oil comes from, it doesn’t come from any.
The word ‘canola’ is not indicative of a plant or grain, it is a made-up word from ‘Canada’ and ‘oil’. Much of the canola oil used is grown and exported from Canada.
Canola oil is well disguised rapeseed oil. It has zero health credentials and in the past has been used as a lubricant in the industrial sector.
Rapeseed oil was genetically modified in the 1970’s to make it fit for human consumption. To try and shake off the previous reputation, it’s name was changed to canola oil.
Genetically modifying the oil led to an increase in the presence of oleic acid. This raised health concerns after it was linked with retarded growth in children, free radical damage and disrupting of healthy platelets.
Canola oil is a sneaky ingredient, it finds its way into many processed foods, but we really recommend avoiding it.
Three reasons to steer clear of canola oil
1. It is saturated with pesticides
We know it is almost impossible to avoid 100% of pesticides, but it is also best to try and avoid them as much as possible. This means not buying food that we know have high levels of pesticides, canola oil is one of these foods.
2. It is genetically modified
Genetically modified crops go hand in hand with pesticides – and the two together are a recipe for bad health. The vast majority of canola oil is made using GM crops, so that the farmers can grow more and more. It is because it is almost impossible for GM crops to fail, we have a surplus of canola oil and that is why it is so prevalent in packaged foods.
3. It is hydrogenated
True, not all fats are bad for you. But hydrogenated fats are definitely ones to stay away from. They give the body absolutely zero benefits, but they can also harm your health. Hydrogenated fats are the ones most associated with visceral fat, heart disease and strokes. If you want to clog up your arteries (and we’re sure you don’t), hydrogenated fats are the way to do it.
There are many alternatives to canola oil when cooking. Most good health food shops and even large supermarkets will sell avocado oil, coconut oil and even sunflower and corn oils are healthier than canola oil.
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