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Is Canola Oil Healthy?

By Geraldine Campbell
|
April 9, 2013

There’s a lot of confusion around canola oil and whether or not it’s healthy. Here, we take a look at what it is, what you should know, and what to look for.

What is canola oil?

Developed in Canada in the 1970s by cross-breeding rapeseed plants, it was dubbed “canola” after the words “Canadian oil.” (Also, most consumers thought the word “rapeseed” sounded unappealing.) It was bred to be low in saturated fat and erucic acid, a potentially harmful component that occurs naturally in rapeseed. While there’s still some erucic acid, the canola on your supermarket shelf contains 2% or less.

Is canola oil healthy?

In canola’s pro column is the fact that it’s high in omega-3s and phytosterols, or plant sterols, which block the absorption of cholesterol. It also has a high smoke point, which is a good thing when cooking. Once oil starts smoking, its structure changes; smoke means it’s becoming carcinogenic. Its neutral flavor is also a plus. Because, well, sometimes, you don’t want your food to taste like coconuts.

So far, so good, right? But, before you pick up a bottle at the grocery store, there are a few things you should know.

First, most canola oil is highly processed via solvent extraction that involves high temperatures. The heat destroys some of the oil’s nutrients and may also create trans fats. Yep, that’s right: Although it may be listed as “free of trans-fats,” canola oil can still contain up to half a gram per serving.

This flavorless oil also packs 21% omega-6 linoleic acid, which has been linked to inflammation, heart disease, cancer, obesity and many other illnesses. But the science here is less than straight-forward. What researchers can agree on? You should keep an eye on the balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in your diet. (Most Americans eat more omega-6s.)

The bottom line? If you’re going to use it, use it sparingly. This shouldn’t be your day-in and day-out go-to oil. At the supermarket, look for cold-pressed, organic, non-GMO canola oil and check the ingredients to ensure nothing is listed as “hydrogenated” or “partially hydrogenated.” And remember that cold-pressed oils have lower smoke points, which makes it less suitable for cooking at high temperatures.

Buy It: La Tourangelle Organic Canola Oil, $6

 

“Almond Joy” Ice Pops

SERVES

6

PREP TIME

30 min

COOK TIME

00 min

Ingredients

1/2 cup sliced almonds (about 2.1 oz.)

1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut (about 1.25 oz.)

1 13.5-oz. can full-fat coconut milk

1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk

1/3 cup maple syrup

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

2 oz. dark chocolate (at least 70%), very finely chopped

Directions

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Spread almonds on a baking sheet and bake until fragrant and lightly toasted, about 5 to 8 minutes, shaking pan partway through. Transfer to a bowl to cool completely. Spread coconut on same baking sheet and bake until fragrant and toasted, about 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl to cool completely.

In a bowl, whisk together coconut and almond milks, maple syrup, vanilla and salt until well combined.

Divide almonds, coconut and chocolate among 6 ice-pop molds. Pour coconut milk mixture evenly into ice pop molds. Use a chopstick or other long, thin instrument to stir well, distributing the nuts, coconut and chocolate evenly. Add sticks and freeze until firm, at least 4 hours.

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