Canola Oil

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Canola oil is characterized by a very low level of saturated fatty acids, a relatively high level of monounsaturated fatty acids and an intermediate level of polyunsaturated fatty acids, with a good balance between the omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Canola oil contains
only 7% saturated fatty acids; about half the level present in corn oil, olive oil and soybean oil and about one-quarter the level present in cottonseed oil. 

The most abundant monounsaturated fatty acid in virtually all fats and oils is oleic acid. Oleic acid makes up 58% of the total fatty acids in canola oil. Among the common vegetable oils, canola oil is second only to olive oil in oleic acid content. Studies over the past 15 years have shown dietary oleic acid is equally as effective in lowering plasma cholesterol level as dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids. Humans and other species are able to synthesize oleic acid so it is not required in the diet; in other words, it is not an essential fatty acid.

Canola oil is intermediate among the vegetable oils in polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content. It contains appreciably higher levels of PUFA than palm oil or olive oil but lower levels of PUFA than corn oil, cottonseed oil, safflower oil, soybean oil and sunflower oil. Interest in PUFA stems from their role as essential fatty acids and their effectiveness in lowering plasma cholesterol level, a major risk factor in coronary heart disease. Linoleic acid has long been recognized as an essential fatty acid. Animals, including humans, are unable to synthesize it and, therefore, it is required in their diets. However, they are able to convert linoleic acid to arachidonic acid and other members of the omega-6 family of fatty acids.

Arachidonic acid is important in membrane structures and is the starting material for the synthesis of “hormone-like” substances. 
Recent studies have indicated that alpha-linolenic acid and other members of the omega-3 family of fatty acids likewise are essential. Like, linoleic acid, linolenic acid can be converted to other members of the omega-3 family, namely, EPA and DHA. DHA is a major constituent of lipids in the brain and the retina of the eye. Canola oil contains an appreciable amount (11%) of linolenic acid. Hence, there is a very favorable balance (approx. 2:1) between linoleic acid (omega-6 PUFA) and linolenic acid (omega-3 PUFA) in canola oil. 

The effectiveness of canola oil in reducing plasma total and LDL cholesterol levels and the observation that it may alter clotting activity and protect against cardiac arrhythmias indicate a beneficial role for canola oil as part of a nutritious diet.