With so many vegetable oils to choose from, how do I know which one is the healthiest?

Nutrition experts recognize canola oil as having the best fatty acid ratio. Research indicates the fatty acid composition of canola oil is most favorable in terms of health benefits and as a part of a nutritionally balanced diet. When canola oil is compared to other oils in today's market, canola oil has the lowest level of saturated fat (7 per cent), it is relatively high in monounsaturated fat (61 per cent), and it has a moderate level of polyunsaturated fat (22 per cent). Health practitioners and dietitians have praised the fatty acid profile of canola, labeling it the oil with the best fatty acid ratio. Research indicates the fatty acid composition of canola oil is most favorable in terms of health benefits and as a part of a nutritionally balanced diet.

What do all of those different types of fat mean?

Saturated Fat:
Today's dietary guidelines require a reduction of saturated fat. Research studies have shown a link between saturated fat and increased serum cholesterol, which, in turn, is associated with increased coronary heart disease risk. Canola oil has the lowest level of saturated fat (7%) compared to all other oils on the market today.

Monounsaturated Fat:
Canola oil is high (61%) in the monounsaturated fatty acid oleic acid. Oleic acid has been shown to reduce serum cholesterol levels and LDL cholesterol levels. Oleic acid does not affect levels of HDL cholesterol.

Polyunsaturated Fat:
Two classes of polyunsaturated fatty acids (n:3, n:6) are essential for humans, as they cannot be synthesized in the body and must be supplied through the diet. Canola oil contains a moderate level (22%) of the polyunsaturated fatty acid linoleic acid and an appreciable amount (11%) of alpha-linolenic acid. Alpha-linolenic acid has been shown to be effective in lowering serum triglyceride levels as well as in reducing platelet aggregation and increasing blood clotting time. These anti-blood clotting effects play an important role in the reduction of coronary heart disease.