Canola oil be dangerous for health? Its properties and nutritional values

For many years, rapeseed oil has been the focus of numerous discussions: let’s find out what is the truth about this vegetable oil, along with its nutritional values ​​and properties.

Although it is not present in many kitchens, at least in our country, rapeseed oil is often used in the food industry. We find it in many products, under the term “vegetable oils” , and is sometimes called canola oil. It is extracted from the seeds of rapeseed, a very widespread plant especially in places with cold climates. In the past it was used as a fuel , then it was used in the food sector. But is it a harmful substance?

Canola oil be carcinogenic? Here is the truth

Indeed, there are many studies on the danger of rapeseed oil . It is in fact a product containing large quantities of saturated and unsaturated fats, and although it has an excellent ratio of Omega 3 and Omega 6, it is rich in a harmful substance. It is erucic acid , which has toxic effects on the heart and liver, as well as being a potential carcinogenic substance .

To get around this, the researchers have created a new variant of genetically modified rapeseed oil . This brought to light a new product, called canola oil , containing less than 2% of erucic acid, an amount that does not harm the body. This new type of vegetable oil is rich in important nutrients for our body, and is often used in cooking.

Rapeseed oil: nutritional values

With the exception of erucic acid, dangerous for our health, the other nutrients contained in rapeseed oil are rich in beneficial properties. As we mentioned above, this product has a good amount of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids , distributed among other things in the right ratio necessary for our health. The properties of rapeseed seeds, particularly in the canola variety, are headed by the presence of a large quantity of oleic acid (monounsaturated. Omega 9).

In addition, oil is an excellent source of vitamin E , phytosterols and chlorophyll, which act as antioxidants. The canola variant, in addition to keeping these active ingredients intact, is particularly rich in linoleic acid and tocopherols. Finally, pay attention to calories : rapeseed oil provides just under 900 per 100 grams of product.

The properties of rapeseed oil

In its variants without (or reduced amount) of erucic acid, this vegetable oil brings several benefits to our health. Omega 3 and omega 6, in particular, are micronutrients that promote heart health : they reduce the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, keep the walls of the blood vessels elastic and protect against cardiovascular diseases .

Furthermore, antioxidants counteract the effect of free radicals and prevent cellular aging. Rapeseed oil is therefore an excellent ally for skin health, so much so that we often find it present in the formulations of many creams and products for the body and hair.

Rapeseed oil: price and when to use it

Where can rapeseed oil be found in the canola oil variant? For food use, there are different products on the market that have a low price (from 4 euros for 250 ml, to 33 euros for 5 liters, on Amazon you can find them).

Canola oil is mainly used as table oil , in the production of shortening and margarine . In the same way it is also used for frying foods. However, this is commonly used in the United States, while in Italy it is more used, in its variant with a high amount of erucic acid, as an ingredient for biofuel .

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