Comparing Canola Cooking Oil and Virgin Olive Oil: Discover Their Health Benefits-by Dr Harold Gunatillake
Carefully selected by Dr Harold Gunatillake, this is made with love for the wonderful wives and talented chefs of the Sri Lankan community abroad.
Image Source:Plentyfoods
Chandre, I genuinely value your insights on this topic in the ‘Canada Forum’. I appreciate you mentioning, “Canola oil is as good as olive oil in many ways and has a higher smoking temperature (i.e., more stable). Canola (Can-oil-la) was produced from Rapeseed by genetic modification by scientists at the National Research Council (NRC-Canada) many decades ago.” Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge!
On further analysis, what matters are-
When you compare canola cooking oil and virgin olive oil, you’ll discover that each has its own unique health perks! Virgin olive oil is especially celebrated for its rich content of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and support your heart. Plus, it contains polyphenols—natural compounds that may help lower the risk of chronic diseases, making it an excellent choice for your well-being.
Canola oil is valued for its low saturated fat content and a healthy balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. It’s popular for its neutral flavour and versatility, making it an excellent choice for many recipes. While both oils are healthier than animal fats, virgin olive oil is often preferred for its heart-health benefits, and canola oil is a lighter, more versatile option for everyday cooking and baking.
Adding a variety of healthy oils to your diet can help you enjoy a broader range of nutrients. Picking the right oil often depends on your taste, how you cook, and your particular dietary needs.
In Sri Lanka, many people prefer canola oil because it’s more affordable and is well-suited for high-temperature cooking and frying, making it a popular choice.
In Mediterranean cooking, especially when making salads, olive oil is often the go-to choice that adds flavour and health benefits. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) holds a special place in the Mediterranean diet because of its high content of monounsaturated fats (like oleic acid) and polyphenols, which are great for your health. It helps support a healthy heart by lowering “bad” LDL cholesterol and boosting “good” HDL cholesterol.
Incorporating 2–4 tablespoons of olive oil daily into your cooking, dressings, and drizzles can be a delicious way to enjoy these benefits.
About Safflower, popular in Australia:
Moreover, safflower oil is the best choice for cooking.
All oils are considered fats, so it’s a good idea to enjoy them in moderation. Luckily, some fats are healthier choices than others. For example, Plenty Safflower Oil contains “over 92 per cent oleic acid,’ and super high oleic safflower has the highest purity level of an individual fatty acid found in any available plant oils – quite impressive!
Oleic acid, a natural omega-9 fatty acid in most of our cells, is thought to support overall health and might even help prevent diseases. This oil has a smoke point of 266°C, so it can be safely
heated without breaking down into harmful compounds. For safe, healthy cooking, choose oils with high smoke points. Plenty Super High Oleic Safflower Oil is a fantastic choice, packed with heart- friendly monounsaturated fats—12.8g per 15ml—and only 0.75g of saturated fats per 15ml.
Setting aside the technical details, our homemakers select the oils they use for cooking based on their preferences, regardless of health concerns.
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