All of the crucifers (or brassicas, or cole crops) are high in antioxidant and anticancer compounds. The anti-cancer properties of these vegetables are so well established that the American Cancer Society recommends that Americans increase their intake of cruciferous vegetables. Other research has suggested that the compounds in Brassicas can protect the eyes against macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in older people.

Rape - a valuable plant

It is cultivated for its seeds rich in oil. The rape seeds are indeed a significant source of vegetal oil and silage with high percentage of proteins – 20-23% of proteins and over 40% of oil. Some Canadian sorts, for example Canola 00, contain 45-50% of oil. Nearly 360 kg of oil and 550 kg of rape-cake sufficiently balanced in amino acids can be obtained from one ton of rape seeds. the rape oil is now widely used in food industry both in natural state as salad dressing and for production of margarine and other vegetable food oil for technical purposes. Many countries widely use a special bio-fuel of “diesel fuel” type obtained from vegetable oils extracted from rape, sunflower and soy. In Finland, for instance, diesel was completely substituted with bio-fuel and partially in Germany, Austria, France, Belgium, Poland, Czech Republic, India, Sweden, USA and Canada.

In addition, oil extracted from rape seeds is rich in glucoside of fat non-saturated acids, while the percentage of saturated acids is relatively small, which is an advantage for health – it reduces the risk of thrombus formation in vital systems of the human body.
The rape seeds are round, black-brown, and 2-3 mm in diameter. a total of 1000 seeds weigh 3.5-4.5 gr.; a bush is generating nearly 500 seeds.

The Facts About Canola

Canola is an oilseed crop which is grown primarily in regions of Western Canada.
Each canola plant produces yellow flowers which, in turn, produce pods, similar in shape to pea pods but about 1/5th the size.

Within the pods are tiny round seeds that are crushed to obtain canola oil.

Each seed contains approximately 40 per cent oil. The remainder of the seed is processed into canola meal which is used as a high protein livestock feed.

Best Fatty Acid Ratio and Lowest in Saturated Fat

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 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 canola oil has a moderate level of polyunsaturated fat (22 per cent).

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 linolenic 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.