Canola Oil

This oil originated in Canada and has became known as the Canadian oil, or canola. Canola oil is second only to flaxseed oil as the highest vegetable source of the essential omega-3 fatty acids. Like flax oil, it contains both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, but in a different ratio. Canola oil contains an omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of 2:1. Flax oil is 0.3 to 1. Because it contains one of the highest ratios of unsaturated to saturated fats, it is one of the most heart-healthy oils, reported to reduce cholesterol levels, lower serum tryglyceride levels, and keep platelets from sticking together. Because of the high omega-3 content, heating canola oil above 120? may change some of the fatty acids into trans fats, which raise total cholesterol and lower the levels of good cholesterol. Be sure to buy organic canola oil, since the rapeseeds are often sprayed with pesticides.