What is Canola Oil?
Canola oil is a vegetable oil that is made from the seeds of the canola plant. Canola is a type of rapeseed that has been bred to have a low erucic acid content. Erucic acid is a fatty acid that can be harmful to the heart.
Nutritional Value of Canola Oil
Canola oil is a good source of several nutrients, including:
- Monounsaturated fats: Monounsaturated fats are considered to be "healthy fats" because they can help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Polyunsaturated fats: Polyunsaturated fats are also considered to be "healthy fats" because they can help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Vitamin E: Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can help to protect cells from damage.
Health Benefits of Canola Oil
Canola oil has been shown to have several health benefits, including:
- Reduced risk of heart disease: Canola oil can help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. This is due to the fact that canola oil is high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are both considered to be "healthy fats." These fats can help to lower levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and raise levels of HDL (good) cholesterol.
- Improved blood sugar control: Canola oil can help to improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes. This is due to the fact that canola oil is low in saturated fat and has a low glycemic index. The glycemic index is a measure of how quickly a food raises blood sugar levels. Foods with a low glycemic index release sugar into the bloodstream slowly, which can help to prevent spikes in blood sugar levels.
- Reduced inflammation: Canola oil contains several compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body, which can improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
How to Use Canola Oil
Canola oil can be used in a variety of ways, including:
- Cooking: Canola oil is a versatile cooking oil that can be used for a variety of cooking methods, including frying, baking, and roasting.
- Salad dressings: Canola oil can be used as a base for salad dressings.
- Marinades: Canola oil can be used to marinate meat, poultry, and fish.
Conclusion
Canola oil is a healthy and versatile cooking oil that offers several health benefits. It is a good source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Canola oil can also help to improve blood sugar control and reduce inflammation. It is a versatile oil that can be used in a variety of ways, making it a great choice for home cooks and professional chefs alike.
How many calories are in Canola Oil?
Each 1 tbsp of Canola Oil contains 124 calories.
Canola Oil Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per 1 tbsp (14g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 124 Calories |
| Protein | 0g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Carbohydrates | 0g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Sugar | 0g |
| Sodium | 0mg |
| Potassium | 0mg |
| Calcium | 0mg |
| Iron | 0mg |