Warning Against Canola Oil

(Kenneth) #1

I am sure all of you are aware of the dangers of Canola Oil, but here is a concise article.
Blessings! :innocent:

anyavien.com

Scientists Finally Issue Warning Against Canola Oil: It Damages Your Brain, Can Cause Dementia, and Weight Gain

August 20, 2018 by

Have you ever heard of a Canola seed? You’ve probably heard of Olive and coconut trees, but not Canola right? That’s because it doesn’t exist. Canola oil is not natural oil but the commercial name of a genetically modified version of Rapeseed (which is toxic). So, it is really curious why so many “natural” food stores, even famous ones such as Whole Food’s, consistently use Canola oil in their prepared meals and Food bars (such as in their baked goods, salads, dressings, etc.)?

Canola oil was created in a Canadian university lab by Dr. Baldur Steffanson. Dr. Steffanson, after getting his newly created version of Rapeseed to meet FDA guidelines (with less toxic eurcic acid) he went on to work for Calgene (which later was acquired by Monsanto). For this reason, there is no such thing as “organic” Canola oil as the raw ingredient itself is genetically modified rapeseed.

So what are the biggest health risks of consuming foods that contain Canola oil? Let’s look at a few:

  • Canola depletes vitamin E.
  • Recent studies link canola oil to increased inflammation (study) and oxidative stress.
  • Canola increases the rigidity of membranes, which can trigger degenerative diseases.
  • Because of canola’s high sulfur content, it goes rancid easily, which can exacerbate allergies and compound problems for people with bronchial or asthmatic issues.
  • Human studies reveal canola causes an increase in lung cancers.
  • Canola can shorten lifespan of animals and lower platelet count.
  • Daily canola consumption can raise your triglycerides over 40 percent.
  • Canola oil molds quickly and also inhibits enzyme function.
  • It opens the door for free radicals, undermining natural antioxidants, and can be linked to increased incidence of many diseases.
  • Canola leaves no foul taste when it’s spoiled, so it’s hard to tell if you’re eating rancid erucic acid.

The next time you visit the Whole Foods, or other grocers, Food court, be careful of being fooled into thinking they are the healthiest option in town. Look for all natural deli’s and food providers that use natural oils (you know the type that come from an actual plant). Most importantly remember, there is no such thing as GMO-free Canola oil.

('Jackie P') #2

Thank you for that. I have some friends in the UK that are convinced that cold pressed rapeseed oil is the healthiest oil. I’m never quite sure if the same warnings apply!
If anyone knows?

(Joey) #3

@kjgeraci I appreciate your sharing this link as I do share the concern over canola oil. We’ve effectively banished it from our kitchen.

But honestly, I had a really hard time following much of the science behind the claims being made in that anyavien.com piece. Lots of scary-sounding statements … but hardly any relevant science could be found to back up such alarming claims.

Yeah, I did find one study with an epidemiological association, at best. Another one describing how rats respond - which is always specious when it comes to nutritional issues applicable to humans. Etc., etc.

In other words, there are some extremely bold assertions made and - having followed up on scant references listed in fine print - I could not comfortably corroborate nearly anything being claimed.

Don’t misunderstand, I’m no fan of canola oil. But some of the claims don’t even make sense … e.g., it goes rancid easily?! [I thought its shelf life was one of the reasons it gained market acceptance.] It depletes vitamin E? [Says who?] Human studies show an increase in lung cancers caused by canola oil? [Really?! Where are these human studies?]

If this article appeared in the “Show Me The Science” section, it would likely stir a skeptical backlash.

Learning as we go.

(Michael - When reality fails to meet expectations, the problem is not reality.) #4

Sometimes stuff is not as scary as it’s made out to be. You don’t have to be a fan of seed oils, canola included, but still ask for the science to back up the claims. If canola was as toxic as portrayed I suspect we’d find it in automotive dept, not food department. It may not be a healthy fat, but I also don’t think it’s poison.

(David Jackson) #5

Funny you say that. Rapeseed oil was a tractor lubricant first. Then production grew to highly exceed its use, which THEN promoted to good doctor to figure out a way to make it fit for human consumption

(Kenneth) #6

Very Fair Critique; well made points. Thanks.

I think The Big Fat Surprise, By Nina Teicholz, does a much better job of identifying the problems with these types of oils. It is not easily condensed or presented like the above article. I do remember Mrs. Teicholz citing similar points and backing them up by cited sources. So, if one would like more insight that would be the book to go with.

(Joey) #7

Again, I appreciate your sharing the link. And yes, Teicholz did a superb job of both summarizing research and offering relevant citations so we could follow in her footsteps.

I believe her primary beef with vegetable oils (pun intended) was related to using them as cooking ingredients due to the adverse transformations they undergo when subjected to high temperature. And I seem to recall canola was specifically cited as an offender on this score (one of the reasons we ditched them from our cabinets).

Part of my skepticism over the anyavien piece was that this important detail wasn’t even mentioned in passing … just: canola = bad. It’s unclear whether at room temperatures they’re just a dangerous. [Maybe just dangerous for rats? And if so, perhaps they substituted canola for some other essential food source instead? How much canola can a rat eat without missing out on normal “rat chow”… blah, blah]

Alas, apparently even science can be a matter of opinion. :wink:

(Parker the crazy crone lady) #9

Just curious, why was this flagged?

(Full Metal KETO AF) #10

@coffeekittie He just joined ten minutes ago and has SPAM agenda. :cowboy_hat_face:

(Susan) #11

He posted his advertisements on a few different threads, they were also flagged. I didn’t do it, but someone beat me to it, or I would have as well.

(Parker the crazy crone lady) #12

Oh, ok.