Although cooking oils may not seem to play an important role in overall health and nutrition, some are definitely healthier than others. Grape seed and canola oil both have a variety of benefits and disadvantages for health and culinary use. No matter which type of oil you choose, always select products with less than two grams of saturated fat per tablespoon. This will help prevent excessive fat intake, which may increase the chances of developing heart disease or other chronic conditions.
Cooking Oil Basics
Plant-based cooking oils are typically much more healthy than solid fats, such as butter, margarine and shortening, which all tend to be very high in saturated fat. Both canola and grape seed oil are plant-based oils and are good sources of "healthy" unsaturated fats. However, they are still high in calories, so always use them in small amounts. Just one tablespoon of canola or grape seed oil contain 120 calories.
Grape Seed Oil
Grape seed oil is known for its antioxidant properties, which may help prevent chronic health conditions. Antioxidants rid the body of potentially harmful substances called free radicals, which may contribute to cancer and heart disease. Proanthocyanidins are the primary antioxidants in grape seeds. The oil also contains vitamin E and essential fatty acids. Additionally, grape seed oil may reduce harmful cholesterol levels in the blood. The oil is also a practical cooking companion, since it has a subtle taste and high smoke point.
Canola Oil
Contrary to popular belief, canola oil is not made from the rapeseed plant, which contains a potentially harmful substance called erucic acid. Although the canola plant was crossbred from the rapeseed plant, erucic acid is eliminated in the process. Not only is canola oil safe and recognized by the Federal Drug Administration, but it is also a healthy oil that contains high amounts of monounsaturated fats. Canola oil is also relatively tasteless, making it a good substitute for shortening or butter in baked goods.
Selecting a Product
Both canola and grape seed oil are healthy fat choices. They contain low amounts of cholesterol and saturated fat. According to AsDrSears.com, canola oil has one of the lowest saturated fat measurements of all cooking oils. However, grape seed oil also has low saturated fat levels, and also contains a significant amount of vitamin E. In terms of culinary use, canola is more suited to baking, whereas grape seed oil is better for sauteing and cooking at high temperatures, due to its high smoke point.
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