what is rapeseed oil

what is rapeseed oil

1 year ago 40
Nature

Rapeseed oil is a vegetable oil that is extracted from the seeds of the rapeseed plant, which is part of the Brassicaceae family. There are two main types of rapeseed oil: culinary and industrial. The culinary version, also known as canola oil, is used in the kitchen for cooking, while industrial rapeseed oil is mostly used in the chemical and automotive industries. Here are some key points about rapeseed oil:

  • Rapeseed oil is naturally low in saturated fat and high in unsaturated fat, which is excellent for your health.
  • It is an excellent source of vitamin E, a strong antioxidant that can support eye and skin health.
  • Rapeseed oil is also a great source of an omega-3 fat known as alpha-linolenic acid, which provides numerous heart health benefits like lower blood pressure and a decreased likelihood of heart attack.
  • Most rapeseed oil in the US is genetically modified.
  • Rapeseed oil is heavily processed, and hexane, a chemical solvent, is added to "clean" the oil. Then, a water filtration process removes gums, free fatty acids, and unappealing colors. Although this is considered a safe process, it leads to lower contents of fatty acids and vitamin E, which may affect the health.
  • Culinary rapeseed oil is distinguished from industrial rapeseed oil, which is not safe for consumption due to its high concentration of erucic acid.

In summary, rapeseed oil is a healthy vegetable oil that is widely used around the world for cooking, baking, and food processing. It is naturally low in saturated fat and high in unsaturated fat, making it an excellent choice for your health. However, it is important to note that most rapeseed oil in the US is genetically modified, and industrial rapeseed oil is not safe for consumption.

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