Theres no denying that some cooking oils have a better rap than others.
Canola oil tends to receive less praise than other options likeheart-healthy olive oilandavocado oil.
Yet, its fair to question the popular consensus and dig a little deeper before ruling canola oil out.
So, is canola oil really that bad for you?
Heres everything it’s crucial that you know.
What is canola oil?
This process requires harsh chemicals (most commonly hexane), Crouch explains.
However, canola oil does have some redeeming qualities.
Take note of its fat lipid profile, for example.
Canola oil is rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which include omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
It may improve skin and support collagen production.
Canola oil contains sources of vitamins E and K, which both helpsupport skin and hair health.
A review published in theInternational Journal of Molecular Sciencesin 2017 summarized the potentialbenefits of canola oil for skin health9.
It may support cardiovascular health.
It may contribute to an excess of omega-6s in the body, depending on your diet.
While canola oil does contain anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, it also has omega-6 fatty acids.
It is susceptible to oxidation.
Canola oilcontains linolenic acid21, which makes it susceptible to oxidation.
To reduce the risk of oxidation, Zhu suggestsstoring your canola oil in a cool, dark place.
It is most likely genetically modified and treated with pesticides.
So, is canola oil healthy?
It’s often heavily refined and treated with pesticides and GMOs.
Plus, it’s used in large quantities in food preparations that are not as nutritious.
For these reasons and more,olive oil is a healthier option26than canola oil.
Canola oil vs. vegetable oil
“Vegetable oil” is usually a combination of different oils.
Crouch notes that like canola oil, vegetable oils also tend to be very refined.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is canola oil safer than vegetable oil?
It depends on the pop in of cooking oil you choose.
But in general, vegetable oils are highly processed blends that can have a bunch of oils in them.
For this reason, canola oil might be a slightly healthier pick because you know what’s in it.
Which oil is the healthiest?
Jones recommends olive oil for its anti-inflammatory benefits and high-antioxidant power and considers it a kitchen staple.
For high-heat cooking,avocado oilis also a very healthy pick.
Is canola oil worse for you than olive oil?
Olive oil is a more nutritious option for health and well-being than canola oil, Zhu says.
Thats why she uses olive oil at home, when possible.
Still, double-check to choose agood quality olive oilto really maximize its benefits.
