Canola oil: properties and uses

Canola oil: properties and uses

Vegetable oil is one of the main components in both nutrition and cosmetology. There are a huge number of oils, and the most popular are sunflower, olive, coconut, nut. Canola oil is considered quite extraordinary, which many have not even heard of. According to experts, this pomace has a number of useful properties and benefits, but subject to moderate consumption. At the same time, there are those who categorically do not advise using it, so as not to harm their body.

History of appearance

Canola oil is made from rapeseed that has undergone genetic modification. The goal of the experiment is to create a quality product at an affordable price. The primary crop of rapeseed belongs to the oilseed species, which, unlike its relatives, grows rapidly and is unpretentious in care. Initially, this plant was used to produce industrial oil used as biodiesel or insecticide additives. To expand the scope of its use, geneticists began to try to improve the culture.

Canadian specialists have carried out many modifications of rapeseed, trying to develop a variety with a low content of erucic acid, which was the main poisonous substance of the plant, and it was because of it that the oil was forbidden to be used in the food industry. As a result, geneticists managed to create a special kind of culture, and after much deliberation, they named it Canola, which is an abbreviation for the phrase Canadian oil, low acid.Translated, this phrase means "low acid Canadian oil."

Modified rapeseed continued to be improved, clearing it of harmful substances and enriching it with vitamins, as well as useful microelements. Today, canola oil is found on sale both in its pure form and as part of various products, including food. But, despite the dramatic changes, few people consider this product useful, because it still contains erucic acid, albeit in a small amount - only 2%.

Product Features

In the world market, canola oil is very popular. First of all, it has an affordable price, therefore, it significantly reduces the cost of products made from it. In addition, this oil has a rich chemical composition, including elements such as sulfur, chlorine, phosphorus, vitamins H and E. When used correctly, the product has a positive effect on the human body.

Canola oil has a long shelf life of up to 5 years, but it's important to keep it in the right conditions. When exposed to high temperatures and direct sunlight, the product may oxidize and acquire a bitter taste. Nevertheless, the liquid in any case retains transparency, and there is no need to talk about the formation of precipitation at all.

Modified rapeseed oil is called a healthy product, as it contains unsaturated fatty acids that have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system. In addition, it does not contain trans fats, which adversely affect the body.

It is important to note that this type of oil cannot be used for frying, this is due to the release of carcinogens when heated.

Canola in the food industry

The pomace from genetically modified rapeseed has been used in the food industry since 1985. This product is the most popular in Canada and Israel. In the CIS countries, canola oil is quite rare, especially in its pure form. Most often it is a component of various products. In addition, this pomace can be part of baby food, which raises many questions from parents.

Many experts have argued that canola oil contributes to stunted growth and development of the child, but after a series of studies it turned out that in a small amount, this component has a beneficial effect on a growing organism. The presence of canola in baby food enriches it not only with vitamins, but also with extremely useful unsaturated fatty acids.

When buying food for children, it is important to pay attention to the composition of the products - the content of oily pomace of modified rapeseed should be minimal. For example, in a jar of vegetable puree weighing 200 g, only 5 ml of the substance is included, and in the dry mixture - 10-14% of the total fat.

In cooking, canola oil is used to prepare cold dishes, namely: sauces, marinades and salads. It does not have a pronounced taste or specific smell, so the product can be combined not only with vegetables, but also with fruits. Sometimes this non-standard ingredient is added to baking, but you should not abuse it.

Application in cosmetology

Canola pomace has found the greatest value in cosmetology, because it contains useful substances that have a positive effect on the skin and hair.

Product Features:

  • has an anti-inflammatory effect;
  • nourishes and saturates dry skin;
  • smoothes small wrinkles and gives elasticity to the skin;
  • promotes hair restoration and prevents their fragility;
  • helps to fight dermatological problems.

    Cosmetics with canola squeeze can not only be purchased at a store or pharmacy, but you can also make it yourself. Home-made medicinal products are more useful and affordable, because they do not contain harmful additives. Unfortunately, such cosmetics cannot be stored for a long time, so you should not procure it in large quantities. In addition, it is necessary to create favorable conditions for it so that it does not deteriorate.

    When making homemade skin and hair care products, it is recommended to use not only canola oils, but also other oils, such as peach, almond, or lavender. In this case, the main ingredient is usually used in the amount of 1 tablespoon, and the secondary ones - just a few drops.

    Those who wish to enjoy the benefits of modified rapeseed oil without bothering to prepare home remedies can add this component to the cosmetic products that they already have at home:

    • shampoo;
    • cream;
    • balm;
    • lotion;
    • massage oil.

    It is enough to add just a few drops of canola to a cosmetic tube to improve its composition and make it even more effective.

    Benefit and harm

    Canola oil is a controversial product, because it contains not only useful, but also harmful substances. Fortunately, the number of the first prevails significantly, so this tool has a number of useful properties:

    • reduces the level of "bad" cholesterol in the blood;
    • helps to strengthen blood vessels;
    • prevents the occurrence of thrombosis, cancer and stroke;
    • improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
    • regulates the process of fat metabolism in tissues.

    But it is necessary to use canola pomace very carefully, not exceeding the allowable dosage, and also not abusing this product. Frequent use of it in food leads to negative consequences, which include:

    • the development of diabetes mellitus due to an increase in blood sugar;
    • rapid weight gain and obesity;
    • the impact on the body of free radicals, because of which the immune system will begin to collapse;
    • the appearance of oncological and heart diseases;
    • development of arthritis.

    In order not to harm the body, before introducing canola oil into your diet, you should consult with your doctor. But it is important to remember that even in the absence of contraindications, use this product in moderation, and also avoid daily consumption.

    For more information on whether canola oil is dangerous, see the following video.

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    The information is provided for reference purposes. Do not self-medicate. For health issues, always consult a specialist.

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