The Forgotten History (and Slippery Science) of Canola Oil

The notion that canola oil is unhealthy has been perpetuated by individuals like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Joe Rogan. However, experts in nutrition science have found no evidence to support these claims. Canola oil is a good source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential and must be obtained through food. Some critics argue that the omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid in canola oil is converted to arachidonic acid, which causes inflammation. However, research has shown that this conversion does not occur in the human body and that linoleic acid actually has health benefits, including reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Another claim is that the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in modern diets is unhealthy, but research has found no evidence to support this claim. Instead, increasing omega-3 intake is recommended. Canola oil is actually a bad source of omega-3, and experts conclude that there is no reason to avoid canola or other seed oils. The scientific consensus is that canola oil is not harmful and has been shown to improve various health risk factors in numerous studies.