Food Facts: Canola - Nutritional Information

Canola Oil is a Heart Healthy Oil

  • Canola oil contains less than half of the (bad) saturated fat of olive oil.
  • Canola oil contains a high level of cholesterol-lowering monounsaturated fat.
  • Canola oil is the best source of omega-3 fatty acids of any leading vegetable oil.
  • Canola oil is cholesterol-free and contains no trans fats.
  • Canola oil is high in vitamin E, which lowers the risk of heart disease.

The Role of Fat:

    Fats are a part of every cell in your body. They provide a concentrated source of energy for our bodies and assist in the transport of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) to the small intestine for digestion.

    Fats slow digestion so that you feel full for a longer period of time.

    Fats give food flavour and a mouth-feel. They also act as a tenderizing agent in baked products and a heat transfer medium in frying foods.

    Fats and oils are made up of basic units called fatty acids. Fatty acids are the basic building blocks of fats just as amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Each type of fat is a mixture of different fatty acids.

    Certain fatty acids known as Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are necessary for such functions as cell building and hormone production. EFAs cannot be produced by our body, so must be supplied in the diet. They can be found in fish, wheat germ and many vegetable oils.

Manitoba Canola Growers Association
Tel: (204) 982-2107
Email: info@mcgacanola.org
www.canolarecipe.ca or www.canolainfo.org