Choosing heart-healthy oils when preparing and cooking food is essential on the South Beach Diet. Healthy oils, like canola oil, are recommended on all Phases, and there’s a good reason why. Canola oil offers many nutritional benefits and it is one of the healthiest of all commonly used cooking oils. But what exactly is canola oil and why should you use it?
The Health Benefits of Canola Oil
Monounsaturated canola oil is made from pressed canola seeds. It is high in
omega-3 fatty acids, including alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential omega-3
fatty acid that can't be made by your body. (ALA can also be found in soybeans,
flaxseed, walnuts, and wheat germ.) Canola oil is also a good source of the
omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid, particularly important for cellular
metabolism. Over the past 20 years, clinical studies have shown that consuming
canola oil in place of saturated fats can help lower cholesterol and may reduce
the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and
cancer.
Cooking with Canola
Canola oil is ideal for sautéing and stir-frying because it has a relatively
high smoke point and its neutral flavor doesn’t overwhelm foods. It can also be
used in place of olive oil in baked goods and vinaigrettes.
