Rapeseed Oil

Definition

Genetically modified oil produced from the seeds of a crossbred version of the rapeseed plant or “Canola” plant.

Health Impact

Rapeseed oil is a highly processed oil extracted from a GMO crop, typically using the chemical solvent hexane. It is an unsaturated fat that oxidizes when exposed to heat, triggering inflammation in the body when consumed. Vegetable oils like Rapeseed are abundant in omega 6 fatty acids, which when over-consumed throw off our bodies healthy balance of omega 3 to 6, leading to chronic inflammation. Rapeseed oil that is not labeled as organic or non-GMO is likely sourced from GMO or bioengineered rapeseed plants. Check for the warning "Contains a bioengineered ingredient" in the ingredients list to confirm. Finding a cold-pressed, organic option of this oil would be a better option. It should not be used for high-heat cooking.

Sources

• Health implications of high dietary omega-6 polyunsaturated Fatty acids

  Pub Med

• An Increase in the Omega-6/Omega-3 Fatty Acid Ratio Increases the Risk for Obesity

  Pub Med

• Healthy intakes of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids: estimations considering worldwide diversity

  Pub Med

• Re-evaluation of the traditional diet-heart hypothesis: analysis of recovered data from Minnesota Coronary Experiment (1968-73)

  BMJ

• FOOD INDUSTRY - SOLVENTS FOR EXTRACTING VEGETABLE OILS

  USDA Agricultural Research Service

• Use of dietary linoleic acid for secondary prevention of coronary heart disease and death: evaluation of recovered data from the Sydney Diet Heart Study and updated meta-analysis

  PubMed

• Cross-Sectional Associations between Dietary Fat-Related Behaviors and Continuous Metabolic Syndrome Score among Young Australian Adults

  Nutrients