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| - Last Updated on February 12, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post suggest that canola oil is bad for humans. It says that consuming this oil is detrimental to brain health, causes dementia and weight gain. We fact checked and found the claim to be Mostly False.
The Claim
A Facebook post with 285 likes and 217 shares claims that canola oil contributes to dementia and weight gain.
We have attached a screenshot of the post below:
Fact Check
What is canola oil?
Canola oil is a type of vegetable oil derived from the seeds of the canola plant, which is a variety of rapeseed. It is known for its light flavour, versatility, and relatively high smoke point, making it suitable for various cooking methods. This oil is low in saturated fat and high in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. It is commonly used in cooking, baking, and salad dressings and is considered a healthier option compared to some other cooking oils.
Is canola oil and mustard oil the same?
No, both these oils are different. Canola oil is derived from the canola plant’s seeds, known for its neutral flavor and high smoke point. Mustard oil, on the other hand, comes from mustard seeds and has a distinct pungent flavor. While both are cooking oils, they have different tastes, uses, and nutritional profiles. Mustard oil is often used in certain cuisines for its unique flavor, while canola oil is prized for its mild taste and versatility.
Does canola oil cause impaired memory?
Maybe. The claim is based on a research done in 2017. This study investigated the impact of daily canola oil consumption on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in mice. After 6 months on a canola-rich diet, mice exhibited increased body weight, impaired memory, and decreased synaptic integrity—critical in AD. However, there were no notable changes in phosphorylation or neuroinflammation. The results suggest this oil may not benefit memory and synaptic health in AD. Further research is necessary, and the current data does not support replacing olive oil with canola oil based on existing trends.
Does Canola oil contribute to dementia?
Not exactly. There is no conclusive evidence that this oil directly contributes to dementia. While a study on mice suggested negative effects on memory and synaptic health with chronic canola oil consumption, more research is needed to draw definitive conclusions.
Does canola oil contribute to weight gain?
The 2017 study on mice suggested that a canola-rich diet contributed to weight gain. However, it is important to note that any oil, when consumed excessively, can lead to weight gain. Oils are calorie-dense, and an imbalance between calorie intake and expenditure is a key factor in weight gain. Moderating oil consumption as part of a balanced diet is essential for maintaining a healthy weight. Choosing healthier oils and being mindful of overall calorie intake contribute to effective weight management.
We asked Dr Debayan Dutta MBBS, DM(Neurology), MD (Internal Medicine), Neurologist at Apollo Multi-Specialty Hospital in Kolkata about the claim. He replied, “Canola oil is a Canadian version of rapeseed oil. It has been scrutinized for its potential toxicity due to erucic acid found in rapeseed oil. While processed canola oil contains safe levels of erucic acid, concerns arose from a Temple University study suggesting a link between this oil and dementia in mice. However, extrapolating these findings to humans is limited. Despite containing small amounts of trans fats, this oil is endorsed by the American Heart Association for its heart-healthy properties, including omega-3 fatty acids. Therefore, while acknowledging potential health benefits, caution is warranted before dismissing this oil based solely on one study”.
In another fact check story, we have shown that canola oil production involves seed cleaning, conditioning, cooking, pressing, solvent extraction, desolventizing, and oil processing. Also, that this oil made by following these processes is generally not poisonous.
India’s culinary scene is diverse, with cooking oil crucial for taste and health. Amidst various options, choosing the healthiest oil is challenging. An informed decision is vital for well-being. However, moderation is key; no oil is healthy in excess. Balanced consumption ensures a healthy lifestyle.
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