Rapeseed vs Canola

Several sources have reported the dangers of Rapeseed Oil which they state is the same as Canola Oil (Canadian Oil). They are NOT the same; as claimed on many internet sites. Canola seed is not the same as rape seed (Mustard family).

Dangers from Rapeseed Oil

Rape is one of the most toxic of all the oil plants. Rape contains erucic acid and this makes it highly toxic. Rape oil has gotten its justified bad reputation from China. Most people in China cook with unrefined rapeseed oil, which is not processed to remove contaminants, and it contains no antioxidants. Canola is low in erucic acid, while rapeseed is very high in erucic acid.

Canola is ot GM

It is not genetically modified (GM) or engineered as reported, but cross pollinated by traditional plant breeding methods used for hundreds of years.

Canola Won’t Go Rancid Soon

Canola’s shelf-life is one year at room temperature, while rape seed oil becomes rancid very quickly. Rapeseed oil is used as a lubricant, fuel, soap and industrial penetrating oil, while canola is used for human food consumption only.

Canola Kills Bugs

All vegetable oils can be used to suffocate insects. It’s good for killing aphids. Any oil is a non-chemical, environmentally friendly insect control method.

Arguments Against Using Oils

Any oil in excess, can make your blood more sticky and not flow as easily, thus causing fatty deposits to build up on your arteries. Canola is no exception. Long term consumption of a diet high in oils (fried or baked foods) will cause health problems. Is the health risk any worse with canola? Frying any oil is dangerous, including canola.

Your Nerves Need Omega-3

Most oils are high in omega-6 essential fatty acids, including canola. The lining of your nerves (myelin sheath) should be made up of mostly omega-3 essential fatty acids. If it is not, then your nerves are less resistant to everyday stressors and will not be as efficient.

Your Immune System and Omega-3

Your immune system is more efficient when you have a high Omega-3 ratio in your diet. Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-a) can be normalized, if high, by increasing omega-3 foods (walnuts, cold flax seed oil, etc) in your diet.

Oils Facts

-Canola oil is 7% saturated fat and is 58% monounsaturated. Canola oil burns at 400^oF

-Olive oil is 15% saturated and is 74% monounsaturated. Olive oil burns at 200^oF

-Macadamia nut oil burns at 389^oF and is 80% monounsaturated.

-Peanut oil is 19% saturated fat and is 48% monounsaturated.

-Sunflower oil is 12% saturated and is 16% monounsaturated.

The Best Omega-3 Ratio is Not In Canola Oil

The ideal omega-6 to omega-3 (essential fatty acids) is 4:1. The average American’s ratio is 6:1. Canola is 2 parts omega-6 (linoleic acid) to one part omega-3 (linolenic acid). So, you can do better.

My Recommendations

Avoid oils/fats that are solid at room temperature and are hydrogenated (trans fats). Avoid canola, safflower and sunflower oils due to there high omega-6 ratio.