Color Me Raw - What is Canola Anyway?

Today's blog was written by guest blogger . . . Dr. Pamela Howard

My friends and I used to wonder where canola oil actually comes from. No one I’d spoken with had ever heard of this particular vegetable from which we derive the oil. We were positive it was some synthetic hoax to get you to think you were doing something “healthy” by choosing this “vegetable” oil.

Well, guess what? I took a trip over to Metro Atlanta Urban Farm in College Park, GA a couple of months ago and met the lovely Canola. Bees love canola flowers. And the gardener, Anthony, told me hotels order them to include in display bouquets. Also, I learned that the greens of the canola plant can be cooked up just like collards or mustards. Lesson learned…

Since I’ve heard quite a bit of controversy regarding the use of canola oil, I decided to do a little investigating for myself. On the one hand, canola oil is touted as being good for you because it contains Omega 3 fatty acid. Omega 3 is great for inflammation, skin health, hormone regulation, healthy bowel function and lowering cholesterol. Canola oil is said to be low in saturated fat and high in monounsaturated fat, meaning it is less likely to cause coronary artery disease. All of these things sound great; so what’s the big controversy?

Ever hear of genetic engineering? That’s right, about 80% of the canola oil we use in America comes from the seeds of genetically modified rapeseed. It appears that rapeseed was not as appealing because it contains something called erucic acid.  Erucic acid is believed by some to be toxic to the heart. Rapeseed oil was also less appealing because of the greenish color due to all the chlorophyll it contains. (Just a side-note: chlorophyll is what makes plants green and allows them to produce oxygen. Chlorophyll consumed by humans acts as a deodorizer, helps clear anemia, improves sleep and bowel health and has many other great benefits. Definitely wouldn’t want any of that happening, right?) The genetically modified rapeseed, now called canola, is also tolerant to pesticides. 

So what do you think? Are you a fan of canola oil? I think I’ll stick with grapeseed, coconut and olive oils. 

As a side note, as a consumer, please educate yourself on what you are putting in your body.  Please take some time to research the dangers of canola oil and/or, what is canola oil.  Remember…you are what you eat!

Dr. Pamela Howard (formerly Kelly), Director received her Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from Florida A & M University in 1994. She received a Natural Wellness Certificate in 2007 from Clayton College of Natural Health. She is also a Reiki Master of Usui Reiki certified by Master Linda Boyd. Dr. Pam is I-ACT certified in colon hydrotherapy and a certified iridologist. She is currently working toward a PhD in Holistic Lifestyle Counseling.