Uncovered: The Unexpected Journey of Motor Oil onto Your Plate at Mealtime
In the mid-20th century, canola oil, a relative of rapeseed, gained prominence as a cooking oil due to its healthy fatty acid composition. The company that first introduced it remained unnamed, but its promotion as a healthy cooking oil in the 1950s was based on its high content of oleic acid and low saturated fats.
Fast forward to 1995, and canola was genetically engineered to introduce bacteria DNA, making it resistant to glyphosate, better known as the herbicide RoundUp. Today, the large majority - about 90% - of the world's canola crop is now GMO.
Canola oil is a versatile and profitable crop. It yields about 40 percent oil, making it highly profitable for industrial use as compared with other crops like soybean which contain 18 percent oil. This oil is cheap to produce and is commonly used in processed foods and many restaurants.
Despite its popularity, canola oil has been the subject of controversy. One concern is its high ratio of omega-6 to omega-3, which is about 2:1. This contributes to inflammation associated with heart disease, obesity, and Alzheimer's disease. The typical diet is thought to have a ratio of 15:1 on average due to the prevalence of canola oil in processed foods.
Another issue is the high heat used during processing. This can actually transform the healthy omega-3 into trans fats. Moreover, toxic petroleum products like hexane are used to process canola oil, which is known to cause nerve damage.
A 1996 Japanese study showed that a canola diet was detrimental to lab animals, depleting vitamin E to dangerously low levels. This is a concerning fact, as the processed oil can deplete essential Vitamin E from the body.
Canola oil is also used in the automotive and chemical industries, and industrial versions of rapeseed oil have high erucic acid levels, which are associated with fibrotic lesions on the heart (Keshan's disease.) To be called canola oil, the crop must contain 2% or less erucic acid, a standard that is internationally regulated.
It's important to note that the culinary version of rapeseed is derived from traditional methods of crossbreeding, but most varieties today, particularly in the US, have been genetically-modified (GMOs) to be resistant to pests.
Canola, or rapeseed, is a crop that is a close cousin to mustard, cauliflower, and broccoli, all of which are in the cabbage (Brassica) family. Its origins may be rooted in health benefits, but its widespread use and modern processing methods have raised questions about its long-term effects on human health.
As with any food, it's crucial to consider the potential risks and benefits when incorporating canola oil into your diet.
