Canola oil: health benefits and production features

When it comes to vegetable oils, sunflower, corn, and olive oils are the most well-known and widely used. However, in the U.S. and Canada, canola oil — also known as rapeseed oil — is equally popular. The name «canola» is a blend of «Canada» and «oil». Its popularity lies in its mild, neutral flavor, pleasant aroma, and high smoke point, making it perfect for salad dressings, frying, and sautéing alike.

Unlike many other cooking oils, canola oil contains very low levels of saturated fats, making it a healthier alternative for daily use.

Interesting facts about rapeseed oil

Rapeseed oil is derived from the seeds of Brassica napus, a plant cultivated for centuries. Although it was grown long ago, rapeseed only began to be used for oil production in the 18th century.

Initially, rapeseed oil was used as lamp fuel and later as engine lubricant. Until 1974, canola oil was not consumed due to its high content of erucic acid, a compound found to have negative effects on heart function, particularly in animal studies.

In the 1970s, German scientists developed a new cold-hardy (winter) variety of rapeseed with up to 45% oil content and no detectable erucic acid. This is the same variety used today to produce cold-pressed canola oil, widely recognized as a nutritious edible oil.

Health benefits of canola oil

Canola oil ranks among the top ten most beneficial foods for human health. It contains up to 28% of easily digestible plant-based protein, along with omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids in proportions ideal for the human body.

In addition, canola oil is rich in antioxidants, which help reduce the risk of cancer and protect the body from harmful UV radiation. It’s also loaded with essential vitamins (A, D, E, and K) and minerals (especially calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, copper, and manganese).

Regular consumption of cold-pressed rapeseed oil can:

• Lower «bad» cholesterol levels due to its monounsaturated fats;
• Improve skin tone and reduce fine lines, thanks to vitamin E, which boosts collagen production;
• Reduce inflammation, supported by omega-3 fatty acids;
• Promote heart and vascular health by improving arterial elasticity (omega-6 and -9);
• Support nervous system function through the effects of magnesium on the brain and neural receptors;

Like all plant-based oils, canola oil is energy-dense, with 899 kcal per 100 grams. The recommended daily intake is no more than 20 grams (about 1 tablespoon).

Why choose cold-pressed canola oil?

The most nutrient-rich and health-boosting form of rapeseed oil is raw, cold-pressed oil. You can either purchase it from trusted producers or make it at home. All you need is a quality oil press and canola seeds.

CraftOil oil presses – efficient and reliable tools for home oil extraction

CraftOil, a trusted manufacturer of premium plant-based oils, offers a wide range of oil presses and accessories for both home and commercial use. The product catalog features oil extraction machines with pressing capacities from 20 to 75 tons, suitable for small businesses or home oil enthusiasts.

Among our most popular options: 20-ton channel steel or sheet steel press, 30-ton hydraulic detachable oil press, 50-ton «Italian» high-performance oil press. Each press comes with a 1-year warranty, is ready to use out of the box, and is suitable for extracting oils from seeds, nuts, grains, and even fruit pulp.

Want to know how to make healthy oils at home? Curious about the profitability of oil production? Not sure which oil press suits your needs? Our expert team at CraftOil is happy to help. Simply submit a request through our website, and we’ll answer all your questions.