Years ago I saw an online article stating the harmful effects of using canola oil. That only reinforced my slightly negative view of canola oil. So I set out to avoid it, instead opting for olive oil wherever I could. That includes my sandwich spread. I switched to using butter with olive oil. Then, I was told by a friend that he recently read an article about the benefits of canola oil. Now confused I set out to educate myself.
Canola oil is a common cooking oil that has been the subject of much debate over its health effects. Some studies have linked canola oil to negative health outcomes, while others have found it to be beneficial for heart health.
Potential health benefits of canola oil
- Low in saturated fat: Canola oil is low in saturated fat, which is a type of fat that can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.
- High in monounsaturated fat: Canola oil is high in monounsaturated fat, which is a type of fat that is considered to be heart-healthy. Monounsaturated fat can help to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and raise HDL (good) cholesterol.
- Contains phytosterols: Canola oil contains phytosterols, which are plant compounds that can help to lower cholesterol levels.
- Good source of vitamin E: Canola oil is a good source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that can help to protect cells from damage.
Potential health concerns with canola oil
- Refining process: Canola oil is a highly refined oil, which means that it has undergone a process that removes impurities and unwanted substances. However, this process can also remove some of the beneficial nutrients from the oil.
- Heating process: Canola oil, like other oils, can break down when heated to high temperatures. This can produce harmful compounds that may increase the risk of cancer and other health problems.
Overall, the evidence suggests that canola oil is a relatively healthy oil when consumed in moderation. However, there are some potential concerns with the refining and heating processes, so it is important to use canola oil sparingly and to choose other oils, such as olive oil, for high-heat cooking.
Here are some specific recommendations for using canola oil:
- Use canola oil in moderation. Aim to consume no more than 1-2 tablespoons of canola oil per day.
- Choose a high-quality canola oil. Look for a canola oil that is labeled as “heart-healthy” or “low in saturated fat.”
- Avoid heating canola oil to high temperatures. Use canola oil for low-heat cooking or drizzle it on cooked foods.
Articles on the potentially harmful effects of canola oil:
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“Canola Oil: Is It Really Healthy?” by Healthline This article discusses the potential health concerns associated with canola oil, including its refining process, heating process, and potential impact on heart health and cognitive function. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/is-canola-oil-healthy
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“The Dark Side of Canola Oil” by Wellness Mama This article highlights the potential downsides of canola oil, such as its processing methods, presence of erucic acid, and potential effects on thyroid function and inflammation. https://wellnessmama.com/health/canola-oil-healthy/
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“Canola Oil: A Controversial Cooking Oil” by Verywell Fit This article provides a balanced overview of the pros and cons of canola oil, discussing its nutritional profile, potential health benefits, and potential health risks. https://time.com/5342337/best-worst-cooking-oils-for-your-health/
Articles on the potential benefits of canola oil:
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“Canola Oil: Heart-Healthy Oil for All Kinds of Cooking” by Canola Council of Canada This article from the Canola Council of Canada highlights the heart-healthy benefits of canola oil, emphasizing its low saturated fat content, lack of trans fat, and presence of omega-3 fatty acids. https://www.canolacouncil.org/about-canola/oil/
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“Canola Oil: A Review of Its Role in Disease Prevention” by Nutrients This scientific review article discusses the potential health benefits of canola oil, including its positive effects on cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and inflammation. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3746113/
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“Canola Oil: A Versatile and Healthy Cooking Oil” by Healthline This article provides a more positive perspective on canola oil, highlighting its versatility in cooking, its low saturated fat content, and its potential health benefits. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/is-canola-oil-healthy
It is important to note that there is ongoing research and debate regarding the health effects of canola oil. The articles linked above provide a range of perspectives on the topic, and it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized dietary recommendations.
If you have any concerns about using canola oil, talk to your doctor. They can help you determine if canola oil is right for you and can provide additional recommendations for a healthy diet.
Then I thought, is there any difference if I used canola oil in butter? Seeing that canola oil is a common ingredient in butter-like spreads, including Land O’Lakes Butter with Canola Oil. This is because canola oil is a good source of monounsaturated fat, which is considered to be heart-healthy. Additionally, canola oil helps to make butter-like spreads more spreadable at lower temperatures.
However, it is important to note that butter-like spreads are still high in fat and calories. A tablespoon of Land O’Lakes Butter with Canola Oil contains 11 grams of fat, 4 grams of saturated fat, and 100 calories. This is similar to the nutritional content of regular butter.
If you are concerned about your fat intake, you may want to choose a butter-like spread that is lower in fat and calories. There are many options available, including margarine, light butter, and plant-based spreads.
Here is a table comparing the nutritional content of Land O’Lakes Butter with Canola Oil, regular butter, and margarine:
| Nutrient | Land O’Lakes Butter with Canola Oil | Regular Butter | Margarine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fat | 11g | 12g | 10g |
| Saturated fat | 4g | 7g | 1.5g |
| Cholesterol | 15mg | 30mg | 0mg |
| Calories | 100 | 100 | 80 |
Ultimately, the best butter-like spread for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are concerned about your heart health, you may want to choose a spread that is lower in saturated fat. If you are looking for a low-calorie option, margarine is a good choice. And if you simply prefer the taste of butter, Land O’Lakes Butter with Canola Oil is a good option.
Just be sure to consume butter-like spreads in moderation, as they are still high in fat and calories.
