Canola Oil Vs Vegetable Oil

When you decide to purchase a particular type of cooking oil, the main concern would be regarding its taste. Again issues like, fat and cholesterol content also invariably crop up. Fats can be divided into three categories, viz. saturated, unsaturated (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated) and trans fats. The saturated fat and trans fat are not counted amongst the healthy fats. The unsaturated fats are actually considered to be healthy fats as these help in strengthening the immune system. So it's better to consume saturated fats in a limited quantity. Trans fats must be avoided as these can have an adverse effect on one's health. Using unsaturated types of fats in our diet would also help in controlling the cholesterol levels. The unsaturated fats are found mostly in fish, nuts, seeds and vegetable oils or oils from plants.

Since canola oil and vegetable oil possess monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, these are considered to be healthy cooking oils. So which one would you like to support, in the canola vs. vegetable oil debate? Let's look into the relevant issues to find out which one of the two is healthier and why.

Canola Oil
Canola is actually an acronym for Canadian oil low acid. It was Canadian plant breeders who developed canola in the early 1970s by using conventional plant breeding methods on rapeseed, which is a plant that belongs to the family of mustard, turnips, radish and other similar plants. Canola oil is derived from the crushed seeds of this plant. Over the years, this oil became popular, for the health benefits claimed by the company that produced and marketed it.

Canola oil contains monounsaturated fat, which is considered to be a healthy fat. It contains as much as seven percent of the total saturated fats (which is the ideal requirement). It is also an excellent source of omega-6 fatty acids, linoleic acid and has a higher percentage of omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Since these fats are not synthesized by the body, using a cooking oil that contains these nutrients will certainly prove beneficial.

The Canola Council of Canada has declared this oil to be safe. In fact, it is referred to as healthiest of all cooking oils. Other Medical Councils and the US FDA also say that it has the ability to reduce the risk of heart disease. A study done on rats, however, found that canola oil can cause hyperlipidemic condition, i.e. increase in the levels of lipids in blood. It is also said to trigger high blood pressure which means that it can promote hypertension. However, other studies have found the oil fit for human consumption with no reported side effects.

Vegetable Oil - Pros & Cons
Vegetable oil is derived from both vegetables and fruits and usually pressed from seeds. These oils are considered to be healthier than animal fats. One of the best vegetable oils is olive oil. Often called liquid gold, olive oil is considered to be a very versatile product. It can be used as part of home remedies and treatments, beauty aids and also as a cleansing agent.

It contains monounsaturated fats. Olive oil helps in reducing blood pressure, protects against cancer, helps to keep down blood sugar level, helps maintain a lower body weight, etc. Other types of vegetable oils include soybean oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, corn oil, palm oil, coconut oil, etc. Out of these, safflower and sunflower are considered most healthy, while coconut oil is unhealthy as it contains a high amount of saturated fats. Opinions are divided about the benefits of palm and soybean.

Studies have shown that vegetable oils contain a large amount of polyunsaturated fats. As soon as these fats enter your body, it has the potential to cause toxic decomposition. The problem can be aggravated if it is combined with the continuous supply of oxygen and catalysts such as iron.

Sometimes you will come across vegetable oils which say that it is hydrogenated. It changes the nature fats that are beneficial for health into trans fats that is not easily recognized by the body. It is also been linked to a number of fatal diseases like diabetes, cancer and high blood pressure.

So these were some of the benefits and disadvantages of the two oils. Both contain certain beneficial characteristics. But no matter whatever cooking oil you choose, do not heat above a certain temperature. If you choose a certain cooking oil, match the oil's heat tolerance as well as the cooking method. Just remember use very less oil in cooking since it will definitely contribute to the health of your family in the long run.