Olive oil is better
How Canola oil is made (Canola Council of Canada)
Although one of the most widely used oils in the food industry,
there are still concerns about the safety of canola oil. This fear arises,
partly, from the extensive processing that is needed to extract the oil, and
partly through the hydrogenation of the oil that increases the amount of trans
fat in the final product. So, is canola oil safe?
Scientific
Research
Though common along the shopping aisles, there is little work done
on the effect of canola oil on humans. The canola oil industry primarily
sponsors the research that is available on humans, and so caution is needed
when interpreting the results. However, there have been plenty of studies on
animals, as well as a handful targeting humans, which may indicate a possible
negative impact on health.
Inflammation
There have been many studies that link canola oil to oxidative
stress and increased inflammation in animals. In rats fed on a diet including
canola oil, levels of antioxidants were found to be lower, while levels of
‘bad’ cholesterol increased. However, as with all animal-based research,
caution should be applied in interpreting them too far, as effects on humans
can differ.
Cardiovascular
Health
Canola oil was once considered a heart-healthy option, but recent
studies have started to suggest this may not be the case. Previously,
vegetable-based alternatives to saturated fats were assumed healthier. However,
saturated fats are no longer considered a problem, with a 2018 research article
in the Nutrition Journal suggesting that making the
change from animal-based fats to vegetable-based fats has little, if no, effect
on heart health.
Memory
A human study that compared the effects of a diet containing
refined oils, such as canola oil, with extra virgin olive oil, showed
significant benefit in brain function for the olive oil group. While this is
more of a benefit of olive oil, rather than a disadvantage of canola oil, it
shows that healthier alternatives may exist.
The research currently available suggests there may be harmful
effects associated with using canola oil, although nowhere is this conclusive.
However, it is interesting to note that in a significant proportion of the
studies indicating a negative impact, the comparison is against extra virgin
olive oil, one of the most widely researched oils available. With this in mind,
it seems sensible that extra virgin olive oil should always be the preferred
option if possible.
