Why Is Canola Oil Banned In Europe? Understanding the Controversy

Canola oil is a vegetable oil known for its neutral taste & high smoke point- 400 degrees F. Recently, a storm of questions has been spreading about the oil, especially why the canola oil is banned in Europe. Well, the answer is straight! Europe hasn’t entirely banned Canola oil use but has implemented more strict rules for the sale of oil, placing the canola oil under careful examination. Such decisions have deeper reasons behind them, and understanding them can give valuable insights into the canola oil and why this happens. Read the article to uncover the exact truth!

What Is Canola Oil And Its History?

Canola oil is an oil derived from different rapeseed produced through plant crossbreeding. Its smooth texture, mild flavor, and high smoke point(about 400 degrees Fahrenheit) make it the most used cooking oil. The oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and phytosterols, preventing cholesterol levels in the body. Also, as it has a low glycemic index, it improves glycemic control. 

About its History

Originating from the Canola plant seeds, Canola oil was first produced in Canada from traditional rapeseeds. Due to its high omega-3 fatty acids and low saturated fat content has become a staple in many households. Canola is an edible version of rapeseed. The rapeseed-derived canola is highly rich in erucic acid, which can be harmful in significant amounts. To address this, some Canadian scientists initiated crossbreeding of various rapeseed strains. They named their creative, new product “canola”. This unique oil version is obtained by healing the seeds, which are then crushed and processed similarly to sunflower, soybeans, and corn. The end product of which is the golden liquid that is known as canola oil today. 

Is Canola Oil Bad For You?

According to a study, most canola oil undergoes hydrogenation, leading to high fatty acid levels. Typically, trans fatty acids cause an increased risk of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States. In 2015, the FDA banned the use of artificial trans fatty acids when these fatty acids were recognized as unsafe to consume. In 2018, they stated that the consumption of trans fats contributes to an increase in “bad” LDL cholesterol levels. 

Moreover, some research also says that canola oil is often genetically modified and highly processed. The processing method denatures the oil and increases the levels of trans-fats, thus raising the harmful cholesterol levels. 

Why is Canola Oil Banned in Europe?

This is just because of the rumor circulating on the internet in 2018. This buzz claimed that Europe had banned the use of canola oil as it was carcinogenic and toxic. However, no evidence supports this statement. So, it’s crucial to know they haven’t banned the canola oil. The high erucic acid content in the canola oil is primarily Europe’s concern. Research says prolonged consumption of erucic acid may be associated with fat accumulation in heart muscle. Though the oil consumed in other countries is low in erucic acid, Europe maintains more strict standards. Expressing the concerns, Europe has made a more stringent rule for selling oil and fats, with canola oil under careful examination.

Should You Need To Avoid Canola Oil?

No, you should not need to avoid canola oil altogether as it is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and healthy fats, offering some health benefits. Plus, it has a low level of saturated fatty acids and a healthy balance of omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids. Moreover, research says, it is highly rich in monounsaturated fats, having a positive effect in lowering cholesterol levels and preventing risks of cardiovascular diseases. 

Besides this, canola oil is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which fight off cell damage. Most importantly, it’s a great alternative to other types of cooking oils because of its high smoke point and resistance to high temperatures. These qualities make it an ideal choice for frying and baking. But, if you have any health issues, it will be better to seek medical advice before adding the oil to your everyday diet. Also, if you’re worried about its risk, you can avoid it altogether and choose the other oil options.

Great Substitutes For Canola Oil

Well, canola oil is a well-known cooking oil in kitchens because of its neutral flavor and affordability. But if you are looking for the best substitutes, many oils offer similar results. Those include:

• Grapeseed oil is the most suitable substitute for canola oil. It has a light and nutty flavor and contains high amounts of antioxidants and healthy fats. 

• Another great option is vegetable oil. Being extremely versatile, you can use vegetable oil for different cooking chores such as deep frying, sauteing, and baking. Make sure to buy the organic version of this oil.

• Sunflower oil is another best substitute for canola oil. You can opt for sauteing, grilling, roasting, searing, and drizzling. Though it is also high in antioxidants and healthy fats, the oil has a mild flavor.

• Avocado oil can also be an ideal substitute for canola oil as it has a high smoke point. The oil is perfect for baking, searing, or frying foods.

What is Vegetable Oil?

Typically, vegetable oil is the most versatile cooking oil made up of seeds and other parts of plants. For instance, canola oil, olive oil, soybean oil, and grapeseed oil all fall under the list of vegetable oils. It generally has a light flavor and nearly 450 degrees Fahrenheit smoke points. All-purpose vegetable oils are primarily sold in grocery shops or marts, typically made from soybean or corn oil or a blend of both. 

But many people wonder whether canola oil is vegetable oil as they need clarification due to factors like being neutral in flavor, pale yellow, and having high smoke points. However, some soybean-based vegetable oils are low in saturated fats, while canola oil consists of the least saturated fats compared to all vegetable oils. 

Canola Oil vs Vegetable Oil: What Makes Them Different?

Is canola oil the same as vegetable oil? Well, both oils are plant-derived cooking oils containing high smoke points. But what makes them different is their nutritional value, base ingredients, and appearance. Regarding the nutritional value of canola vs vegetable oil, canola oil is a much healthier option. It has no trans fats and low saturated fat content, making it safe for heart health. Moreover, the oil has high monounsaturated fat known for improving good cholesterol levels and preventing the risk of heart disease. Research says canola oil in a diet can reduce LDL cholesterol levels by an average of 17%. 

On the other hand, vegetable oils are highly rich in polyunsaturated fats when compared with canola oil. A report says that these oils can generate substantial health hazards when used at high temperatures because of the high levels of polyunsaturated fats. This makes canola oil a more nutritious choice than vegetable oil. Regarding base ingredients, canola oil is derived from rapeseed plants, while vegetable oil is produced using seeds or other plant parts. Canola and some vegetable oils appear pale yellow. Since the composition of various vegetable oils can vary, the color may range from gold to yellow to green. 

Can You Interchangeably Use Canola Oil And Vegetable Oil?

Yes, you can interchangeably use canola and vegetable oil. Though you will find them slightly different in flavor, the result will be the same whether you use them for baking, frying, or sauteing. If saturated fats are your concern, you may pick the canola oil. Otherwise, it is good to go with both oils as they have a good amount of monounsaturated fatty acids known for maintaining good cholesterol levels in the body.

Is Rapeseed Oil Bad for You?

Rapeseed oil with low erucic acid is called canola oil. As per the report by FDA, rapeseed oil is safe to use in moderate amounts. It may help reduce levels of LDL cholesterols, which are also known as “bad” cholesterols. This oil is heart-healthy, containing low saturated and high unsaturated fat levels. A tablespoon of rapeseed oil consists of: 

However, the health benefits of this oil are based on how often and how much you consume it with any food. In addition, the quality of the oil also matters. For instance, one tablespoon of cold-pressed rapeseed oil with a salad plate will give different benefits. And, when you eat french fries that are deeply fried in rapeseed oil, the health effects will differ. 

Conclusion

The careful inspection of canola oil in Europe highlights the significance of understanding the impacts of food choices on health. As a consumer, you must be well-informed about the oils and choose the one that suits your culinary preferences and health needs. We hope the difference between canola and vegetable oil thoroughly explained above can help you decide the right pick. Canola oil might be a suitable option for some people, but it’s also essential to consider its health effects. We hope you got the answer through this article to your question, “Why is Canola Oil Banned in Europe?”. It’s not banned. It is under scrutiny because of its high erucic acid content.