In our office we always talk about avoiding the top three anti-nutrients: refined carbohydrates, processed sugars, and hydrogenated oils. While the first two anti-nutrients are widely known to cause health issues, hydrogenated oils, like the many vegetable oils we use when cooking, may be less familiar.
Canola Oil Linked to Memory Loss, Chronic Inflammation, and Shortage of Healthy Fats
Canola oil, one of the most popular forms of hydrogenated oils, has now been studied extensively to show its detrimental effects on the brain and nervous system. Memory loss, weight gain, and impaired learning ability, all symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, have been discovered as harmful effects of consuming canola oil.
While your brain is mostly made up of fat, the type of fat stored there is key. The fatty acids found in canola oil contribute to chronic inflammation, which results in your body attacking its own healthy systems, can create major health issues and is responsible for some of the deadliest diseases we face. Consuming oils that contribute to the buildup of harmful fats causes a shortage of healthy fats needed in your brain to sustain healthy functionality.
Know Your Sources
Hydrogenated oils, like most canola oils, are widely used throughout the country in fast-food chains and restaurants, as well as in the production of junk food items like chips and doughnuts, all common sources of food for most Americans. This makes it tough to have total transparency in regard to cooking methods and the type of oils used when preparing certain foods.
Unfortunately you can’t always trust your sources. For example, while the American Heart Association lists canola oil as a healthy oil on their website, it’s important to know that the organization representing the production of canola oil is a sponsor of the AHA. Also, due to loopholes in laws passed by the Food and Drug Administration, the ingredients label on food is not always completely honest. Certain ingredients, like the harmful trans fats found in canola oil, are not required to be listed on a label, making it hard to trust the one source provided in the grocery store.
Healthy Alternatives
The good news: research has shown that there are several oils that are perfectly safe and beneficial for your body. If you’re looking for an alternative to canola oil, these are the top quality oils that will make healthy substitutes:
-Avocado Oils
-Coconut Oils
-Olive Oils
-Grass-Fed Butter and Creams
-Macadamia Nut Oils
When you educate yourself on the harmful effects of canola oil, you are able to become more aware of the process your food goes through before it is consumed. Avoiding processed foods and learning how to accurately read food labels will help you on your journey to a healthier you.
In gratitude and good health,
Matt & Monica