Ever heard of the Rapeseed Oil? The rapeseed oil has been gaining some popularity lately. If you’re considering a healthier cooking oil that’s tasty and really versatile, then rapeseed oil is your go-to oil. The delicious flavor and outstanding health benefits of this oil are so well known that a number of celebrity chefs and foodies are switching to it. Rapeseed oil has higher levels of omega 3, 6 and 9 than any other vegetable oil. Rapeseed oil is derived from the rapeseed plant, a bright-yellow flowering plant of the family Brassicaceae (mustard or cabbage family) which is cultivated mainly for its oil-rich seed.
It is interesting to know that rapeseed oil is not just a healthier and tastier cooking oil alternative but can also be used as a biofuel to heat homes. The plant even works well as biodiesel. Fascinating, isn`t it? A lot more countries, particularly China, make use of it as a renewable source of energy.
The many benefits of this wonder oil make it the too-good-to-be-true oil of the year, if that’s a thing.
10 Benefits of Rapeseed Oil
Low Saturated Fat
This is one of the super benefits of rapeseed oil. It has the lowest saturated fat of any culinary oil and even less than half that of olive oil which we all thought was the healthiest of oils. So we can say that rapeseed oil is actually one of the healthiest oils available in the market. A cold pressed rapeseed oil contains only 7 grams of saturated fat. It is essential to have a low level of saturated fats in our diets, as saturated fats increase the total blood cholesterol. This is why health advisers state that a diet which is low in saturated fats can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Thank you, rapeseed oil!
High in Vitamin E
Rapeseed oil is a good source of vitamin E. This helps to protect body cells, and is also fantastic at healing wounds, preventing skin cancer, moisturizing the skin, reducing skin itching, dealing with eczema, dealing with psoriasis, preventing or minimizing the appearance of scars, preventing or treating fine lines and wrinkles. Rapeseed, we can say, is a lover of good skin as a result of its vitamin E content.
High Burning Temperature
So here`s the good news: rapeseed oil is safe to cook at high temperatures with a burning point of 230℃ which is much higher than olive oil that burns at 190℃. Cold pressed rapeseed oil has a higher smoking point than other oils. Rapeseed oil has an extremely high burning temperature which makes it ideal for roasting, deep frying, and other cooking. However what’s even more important is that it’s possible to cook using rapeseed oil without releasing the nasty chemicals which are said to be bad for your health over an extended period. That, I think, is impressive.
High in Monounsaturated Fats
While saturated fat is bad or your health, monounsaturated fats are great. Monounsaturated fats are healthy fats found in rapeseed oil, olive oil, avocados, and certain nuts. Monounsaturated fatty acids, or MUFAs, are a type of unsaturated fat. “Mono,” meaning one, signifies that monounsaturated fats have only one double bond. Studies have consistently shown that monounsaturated fats have a number of health benefits. They can help with weight loss, particularly belly fat, reduce the risk of heart disease and decrease inflammation. Monounsaturated fats also help to reduce cancer risk and may help to improve insulin sensitivity
Providing Omega-3
Rapeseed oil has got omega-3, usually obtained from fish. It really is an excellent source of omega 3. This oil actually contains 10 times more omega-3 than olive oil and sunflower oil. That is impressive. What does omega-3 do? It reduces the total blood cholesterol level, fights inflammation, and also plays an important role in the functioning and development of the brain. Omega 3 has also been found to fight anxiety and depression, improve eye health and reduce blood pressure. It also promotes brain health during pregnancy and early life. Now, show me any oil better than this one which contains all this nourishment our bodies need in high proportions!
Providing Omega-6
Rapeseed oil, asides being rich in omega-3, is also super-rich in Omega-6, another essential omega oil, which helps to stimulate and maintain healthy hair, nails and skin. Omega-6 fatty acids also aid the immune system and are used for reducing the risk of heart disease, lowering total cholesterol levels, lowering “bad” (LDL) cholesterol levels, raising “good” (HDL) cholesterol levels, and reducing cancer risk. This super fatty acid contained in rapeseed oil also fights diabetes, maintains bone health, reduces nerve pain, relieves PMS (Pre Menstrual Syndrome) symptoms, supports the reproductive system, regulates metabolism, supports brain function and promotes overall growth.
Providing Omega-9
You must be wondering that first it was omega-3, then omega-6, now this, omega-9. Well, rapeseed oil is that amazing. So what is it about omega-9? Omega 9 is said to play a large role in aiding the immune system, preventing cancer and helping brain development in unborn children. It also increases “good” HDL cholesterol levels and decreases “bad” LDL cholesterol levels. This helps eliminate plaque buildup in the arteries, which causes heart attacks and strokes. Omega 9 further reduces insulin resistance in people with diabetes, increases energy and enhances mood. It has also been reported to improve memory performance in people with Alzheimer’s disease and boost the immune system. Who else is in love with this amazing oil?
Suitable for a Variety of Diets
Our darling rapeseed oil is suitable for a variety of diets. It ticks many boxes for many dietary requirements including vegetarian, gluten-free, kosher and halal. Are you still waiting? For what exactly? Go ahead to enjoy the versatility, super nutrition, and great taste of rapeseed oil.
No Artificial Preservatives
While some food additives and preservatives provide nutritional benefits or improve food safety, others are added for consumer appeal and/or have known, potential health risks. Our best defense is to avoid or reduce eating or cooking with overly processed or refined foods. It`s a safe side to be, really. These also include products produced through bioengineering, that is, genetically modified products, popularly referred to as GM products. In this regard, rapeseed oil seems to be our perfect buddy as it contains no artificial preservatives and is trans-fat and GM-free. Switching to rapeseed oil, if you already haven’t, is the sure way to go.
Distinct Flavor
Cold pressed rapeseed oil is produced by a low heat technique which enriches the flavor. This enriched flavor, in turn, provides a distinctive taste peculiar to this oil. You should try some rapeseed oil in your salads and on your BBQ’S sometime. It`s also really tasty with fish. I particularly enjoy it with fish. You’ll need no persuasion to turn a cold shoulder to other oils after a trial.
Final Words…
As we have already seen, there are many great ways in which rapeseed oil benefits us; culinary and otherwise. The sure thing is, for a healthier heart and diet, choosing rapeseed oil for your cooking is a great idea. We also know that it could be used as a renewable source of energy. Way to go in promoting alternative means of energy generation. In all, I hope you have a blast experimenting with this oil! We wait to read comments on your experience.
