The Ugly Truth About Canola Oil
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Canola oil comes from the rapeseed plant, which naturally contains toxic compounds called erucic acid that can be harmful in large amounts. So, scientists modified the plant to create a version lower in erucic acid — and boom: canolawas born. (Fun fact: “Canola” stands for Canadian Oil Low Acid — it’s literally a marketing name.)
But the real problem isn’t just the source — it’s the process.
To make canola oil shelf-stable and neutral-tasting, it goes through intense industrial processing that usually involves:
- High-heat extraction
- Solvents like hexane (a neurotoxic chemical)
- Chemical deodorizing and bleaching
By the time it ends up in your bottle, it’s not even remotely “natural.”
Why It’s So Bad for You
Canola oil is:
- Highly refined and inflammatory
- High in omega-6 fatty acids, which can throw off your body’s omega balance and fuel chronic inflammation
- Often made from GMO crops (unless organic)
- Lacking in real nutrients
That inflammation part is key. Chronic inflammation is linked to so many issues — from gut problems and joint pain to hormonal imbalances and heart disease. And if you’re trying to support your health from the inside out, canola oil is the opposite of helpful.
Why Was It Pushed So Hard?
Simple: it was cheap to produce, easy to market, and made a lot of people a lot of money.
In the late 20th century, saturated fats (like butter and coconut oil) were demonized, and vegetable oils were promoted as the “healthier” alternative. That’s when canola oil took off. It became a staple in processed foods, fast food, and even “health” products — all based on outdated or manipulated science.
What to Use Instead
If you’re ready to ditch the toxic oils (yay!), here are some amazing, actually healthy alternatives:
- Avocado oil – high smoke point, full of heart-healthy fats, perfect for cooking.
- Extra virgin olive oil – best for salads and low-heat dishes, packed with antioxidants.
- Coconut oil – great for baking and sautéing; contains MCTs that support brain health.
- Grass-fed ghee – a clarified butter that’s rich in vitamins and gut-friendly.
Always check your labels — canola, soybean, and vegetable oil are hiding everywhere. Even in so-called “healthy” snacks and dressings.
Final Thoughts
Once you realize how something is made — and what it’s doing to your body — it’s hard to keep using it. Canola oil isn’t just a bad ingredient… it’s a perfect example of how the food industry prioritizes profit over health.
We deserve better. You deserve better. Start small. Read your labels. And make the switch to oils that actually nourish your body.