Canola Oil

Oils

  • Potentially Harmful
  • May be Bioengineered

Definition

An oil extracted from the canola plant - a plant that was developed by scientists as an edible version of the rapeseed plant.

Also Known As

Canola

Health Impact

Vegetable oils contain unsaturated fats that oxidize when exposed to heat, triggering inflammation in the body. Canola oil is abundant in omega 6 fatty acids, which when over consumed, throws off our bodies healthy balance of omega 3 to omega 6. This imbalance leads to chronic inflammation, and a higher risk of heart disease. Canola oil that is not labeled as organic or non-GMO is likely sourced from GMO or bioengineered canola plants. Check for the warning "Contains a bioengineered ingredient" in the ingredients list to confirm. Oil is extracted using the chemical solvent hexane. Finding a cold-pressed, organic version of this oil is a better option than conventional.

Sources