Canola oil is a popular cooking oil used by many due to its benefits. The oil is made using the seeds of the canola plant. This plant is one of the most commonly grown plants in Canada. To make canola oil, the seeds are crushed to extract the oil.
Everything You Need To Know About Canola Oil
Why is Canola Oil Considered a Healthy Option?
There are various reasons why the oil is considered a healthy option. They include:
- It contains only 7 percent saturated fat – less than other commonplace cooking oils
- Healthy source of omega-6 fat
- Zero trans fat
- The best plant-based source of omega-3 fats – more than other culinary oils
- Excellent source of oleic acid (monounsaturated omega-9 fat)
What is Canola?
Canola is a plant that is generally grown in Australia, Canada, Europe, and certain parts of the US. The crops have tiny yellow flowers that develop pods that look like pea pods. Each pod contains small black seeds that are rich in trans-fat-free oil.
The seeds are crushed after harvesting to extract the oil. The oil is then further processed to make cooking oils. It is also a valuable ingredient in some animal feed products.
What Are The Uses?
Like most plants, canola can also be used for other uses beyond culinary purposes. Manufacturers often use it to produce eco-friendly lubricants, inks, cosmetics, soaps, plastics, and paints. Apart from canola, they also use corn, flax, olives, and soybeans for the same purpose.
Nowadays, canola is also used as feedstock for producing renewable fuels. More and more manufacturers also use it for making low-carbon biodiesel, which is beneficial for significantly lowering greenhouse gases.
Benefits of Canola Oil
- Some scientific research studies reveal that canola oil can be beneficial for certain chronic health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and metabolic syndrome.
- It can reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in the blood when used instead of a diet that is high in saturated fats.
- A diet that is low in glycemic-rich foods can help with improving blood glucose and cholesterol levels in patients that have type 2 diabetes.
- Those who use high-oleic canola oil or canola can substantially reduce abdominal fat mass and improve blood pressure levels.
- Canola oil is highly versatile and can be used for most types of cooking. The light texture and subdued taste do not overpower the taste of other foods. The oil stays free-flowing in the refrigerator, which means you can use it as a salad dressing. When used in baking, canola oil gives a lovely moist and soft texture with almost zero saturated fat. It is equally beneficial for making a stir-fry or tasty cupcakes.
Nutritional Facts About Canola Oil
- In 2009, a whopping 30.8 million metric tons of canola meals were produced in the canola oil trade.
- Of all the cooking oils, canola is third on the list of the most generated vegetable oil.
- The oil is worth around $2 billion worldwide.
- After soy, canola meal is of the best protein-rich meals globally.
- In 2009, the canola industry made $270 million in the United States alone.
- From initially being in sixth place, canola oil has over the past forty years grown to the second largest oil crop worldwide.
Conclusion
I hope you have enjoyed reading about everything you need to know about canola oil and will consider including this versatile and healthy cooking oil in your cooking ingredient arsenal. Many people include canola oil in their diets as a healthier option and are reaping the benefits. If you haven’t tried the oil before, why not use it for a trial period to see if it benefits you as well?
Sending you lots of love, light, and healthy vibes.
Anthea