It has long been the opinion that olive oil is one of the healthiest cooking oils on the market. But there are a few sceptics who have called that into question, especially with the rise in popularity of rapeseed oil, which many believe to be even more healthy than olive oil. But is it really healthier or should we just be sticking to trusty olive oil? In this article, we’ll be discussing whether or not rapeseed is really better for you than olive oil.
What are the benefits of olive oil?
We have been made aware throughout the years of all of the health benefits that olive oil has to offer. There are many advantages to consuming olive oil over rapeseed oil, such as it having the ability to protect against heart disease and can also aid in reducing inflammation in the body. So how else can you benefit, health-wise, from consuming olive oil?
It’s rich in monounsaturated fats
According to the Heathline, olive oil contains generous amounts of monounsaturated fats. Fats might not seem like something you should be including in your diet, but polyunsaturated fats, in healthy doses, are actually extremely advantageous. Such examples include omega-3 and omega-6. When it comes to olive oil, the monounsaturated fat it contains is oleic acid. Monounsaturated fats can be used for cooking at high temperatures, but studies have shown that it can also have anti-inflammatory properties.
It contains large amounts of antioxidants
Olive oil contains healthy amounts of antioxidants and so it can aid in reducing your risk of developing chronic diseases, according to a study. In addition to that, it could also help to protect your blood cholesterol from oxidation which, in turn, will help to reduce your overall risk of heart disease, states the National Library of Medicine.
It has strong anti-inflammatory properties
Chronic inflammation has long been thought to be the leading cause of many diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, metabolic syndrome and more, according to the Heathline. There are scientists who have estimated that oleocanthal in 3.4 tablespoons of olive oil has a very similar effect as just 10% of the adult dosage of ibuprofen, claims the NIH. More research has suggested the main fatty acid in olive oil actually reduces the levels of inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP).
It can protect against heart disease
According to the WHO, heart disease is one of the most common causes of death across the globe. However, there were studies carried out into heart disease and how it is actually less common in Mediterranean countries. The research found that it is actually the Mediterranean diet that is protecting them from heart disease, which contains high amounts of olive oil consumption. It’s become so widely believed as a result of those studies, and even more so after it was found that olive oil consumption reduced the need for blood pressure medication by as much as 48%.
What are the benefits of rapeseed oil?
Like olive oil, rapeseed oil comes with many different benefits, and not just from a health point of view. Let us take you through all of the ways in which you can benefit from rapeseed oil over olive oil, including the fact that it’s more eco-friendly and has the ability to boost the British economy if you choose rapeseed oil over other alternatives.
It’s an excellent source of vitamin E
Real Simple states that rapeseed oil is incredibly rich in vitamins, the most notable being vitamin E. Vitamin E, according to the same source, is an antioxidant that has been linked with increased eye health and Alzheimer’s prevention. It also contains vitamin K, claims Real Simple, which helps with bone density and maintains healthy blood clotting.
It contains omega-3 & omega-6 fatty acids
Rapeseed oil contains omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Real Simple states that omega-6 can aid in brain function and general development, in addition to hair bone and skin growth. It can also regulate metabolism and has the ability to maintain the reproductive system. According to the same source, rapeseed oil also contains omega-3 fatty acids. This too helps with brian function as well as aiding in keeping the heart healthy.
It can help with cognitive development
Rapeseed oil, considering it contains omega-3 fatty acids, also helps with cognitive development, particularly in infants. This is because it increased adipose tissue, blood flow and, where applicable, breast milk production. Other benefits include preventing cardiovascular disease, according to Real Simple.
It has a higher smoke point
Rapeseed oil has a far higher smoke point when compared to that of olive oil. This is what makes it an incredibly versatile oil to cook with. As well as this, it also means that it retains all of its nutritional benefits, even when cooked and/or fried, whereas olive oil will start to lose nutrients if it’s cooked at a higher temperature. This also makes it far harder to burn rapeseed oil, which can be detrimental to our health if consumed, mainly down to its change in molecular structure.
It helps to boost the UK economy
Rapeseed is grown widely across the UK, meaning that we can manufacture it ourselves rather than counting on countries overseas to provide us with the product. By choosing rapeseed oil that has been grown and developed in the UK, you’re giving your money to British farmers and workers who reside in this country. Not only will this help to lower the price of rapeseed oil, but you’re also putting money back into our economy.
It’s more eco-friendly as air miles are far less
We’ve already touched on the fact that rapeseed oil can be made right here in the UK, so there aren’t any air miles associated with it. Depending on where you buy it from, rapeseed oil could have zero miles associated with it, especially if bought from a local farm shop. This is far better for the environment as you aren’t purchasing olive oil that could have travelled hundreds, if not thousands, of miles by air.
It’s cheaper than olive oil
Rapeseed oil is often far cheaper than olive oil. This is because rapeseed oil doesn’t need to be heated in order for it to be made. Heating the oil can also destroy the taste and remove some nutrients from the oil itself. Olive oil can also be made by blending a mixture of different oils together, which is also why it has a higher price point than a basic rapeseed oil.
It’s a more versatile oil to use in cooking
We’ve already discussed the fact that it has a higher smoke point, and this is, generally, what makes it so versatile to cook with. It can be used for roasting, frying or baking, or it can be used as a salad dressing or as an ingredient in dips and sauces. Rapeseed oil is a common ingredient in healthy cake recipes.
Is rapeseed oil healthier than olive oil?
In summation, it would be easy to look at all of the health benefits and think that they’re all relatively similar. In short, both oils are healthy and can be used to cook with. However, rapeseed oils offer far more benefits than olive oil does. Not only is this because it provides a wealth of health advantages, but it’s also better for the environment and for your bank account. It can be used in much the same way as olive oil, but for a fraction of the cost. If you’re looking for the oil that is healthiest, however, then rapeseed oil would be the healthiest option when compared to other alternatives.
Cater Oils is proud to collect waste cooking oil from a wide range of different sectors, industries and businesses. Our expert, dedicated team of professionals endeavour to responsibly and safely collect and recycle all of the waste cooking oil we receive. You can rest assured that we’ll turn your waste cooking oil into biodiesel so that it can be used throughout our local community. You can give your used cooking oil to us for free and in many cases, we’ll pay you. There are two options that you can choose from: cash or credit against our cooking oil supply service. If you would like further information about how we can help you, get in touch with a member of our specialist team today – we’re always pleased to hear from you.
