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Health See other Health Articles Title: The Secret History and Hidden Dangers of Canola Oil, Part 2 The Secret History and Hidden Dangers of Canola Oil, Part 2 In Part 1 of this series, we unearthed some interesting and little known facts about what Canola oil actually is and how it came to be such a mainstay in the American diet. Here in Part 2 we will look at whether there is good reason for you to be cautious with Canola oil usage. Inflammatory Dangers While there is truth that Canola oil is high in monounsaturated fats – around 55-65% – similar to olive and other healthy plant based oils, the problem is that another 28-35% of it is polyunsaturated, with another small portion being saturated fat. Because Canola oil is so heavily processed, the polyunsaturated fats in it are extremely unstable when exposed to heat, light or pressure, making them oxidized, which in turn releases free radicals into your body when ingested. This inflammatory oil can contribute to a host of illnesses in your body, including cancer, heart disease and degenerative diseases. Extraction Risks Whereas some plant oils like olive can be cold pressed naturally with no need for solvents or heat, Canola oil requires a complicated extraction process using dangerously high pressure and heat, as well as toxic petroleum based solvents such as hexane – which is known to cause nerve damage. Additionally, Canola oil goes through vigorous refining processes that include bleaching and deodorizing. Unfortunately, this high level of processing can turn omega-3 fatty acids naturally found in the oils into dangerous trans fatty acids. “Generally Recognized As Safe”? While Canola oil is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS), the fact remains that there are currently no long-term studies available on its effect on humans. The few studies that are available were done on animals. An unpublished but verified study done in Japan in 1996 discovered that a special Canola oil diet killed laboratory animals. Canadian scientists then did a second study the following year using piglets and a Canola oil-based milk replacer diet. The results? The piglets vitamin E dropped to dangerously low levels. It was concluded that Canola oil depletes vitamin E levels quickly. This is dangerous as vitamin E is responsible for protecting your body from the free-radical activity caused by lipid preoxidation. Healthy Alternatives? Hopefully it is now clear that there is no justification for using Canola oil in the human diet. But what are some healthier alternatives? Try: ◾Virgin Coconut Oil – a heat stable oil that is suitable for high temperature cooking. ◾Ghee/butter – Ghee is even more heat stable than coconut oil. ◾Extra Virgin Olive Oil – use for salad dressing or low temperature cooking. Post Comment Private Reply Ignore Thread
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