Health concerns about canola oil are unfounded. Canola oil, which is extracted from the seeds of the canola plant, is generally recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration.
Misinformation about canola oil may stem from the fact that the canola plant was developed through crossbreeding with the rapeseed plant. Rapeseed oil contains very high levels of erucic acid, a compound that in large amounts can be toxic to humans. Canola oil, however, contains very low levels of erucic acid.
Canola oil is also low in saturated fat and has a high proportion of monounsaturated fat, which makes it a healthy and safe choice when it comes to cooking oils.
Show References
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- Direct food substances affirmed as generally recognized as safe. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. https://www.ecfr.gov/. Accessed Jan. 23, 2019.
- Vannice G, et al. Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Dietary fatty acids for healthy adults. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 2014;114:136.
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- FDA completes review of qualified health claim petition for oleic acid and the risk of coronary heart disease. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/Food/NewsEvents/ConstituentUpdates/ucm624758.htm. Accessed Jan. 23, 2019.
March 19, 2021Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/canola-oil/faq-20058235