Canola oil has copped criticism as a ‘toxic industrial oil used in engines’, blamed for inflammation and chronic disease, while butter has been rebranded as a heart-healthy superfood. These claims often originate from influencers and political figures promoting diets that favour animal fats. HFG dietitian Jess Burvill unpacks the science.
Claim: Canola oil is toxic engine lubricant
While high erucic acid content rapeseed oil was originally used as an engine lubricant, the food-grade version we use today – known as canola oil – is entirely different. Developed in Canada in the 1970s, canola oil was specifically created to be low in erucic acid and safe to eat. It’s now one of the most widely used cooking oils globally and is approved by food safety authorities around the world. And while some people point to its industrial origins as a concern, it’s worth noting that many edible substances also have non-edible uses. For example, baking soda is used in fire extinguishers but is also perfectly safe in your banana bread. The presence of a non-food application doesn’t make something harmful to eat.
- RED FLAG CLAIMS:
Canola oil is toxic and inflammatory - Butter clears arteries
- Promoted by influencers, not medical experts
Claim: Canola oil is inflammatory
This claim stems from concerns about canola oil’s omega-6 content, which some believe promotes inflammation – especially when consumed in excess relative to omega-3s. Linoleic acid, the main omega-6 in our diets, is an essential fat and has not been convincingly linked to increased inflammation or chronic disease in humans. In fact, higher intakes are often associated with reduced inflammation and improved heart health. While some argue the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is important, current evidence suggests the greater benefit comes from increasing omega-3 intake (such as from oily fish), rather than cutting back on omega-6 intake.
Claim: Butter clears your arteries
The idea that butter can ‘clear’ arteries comes from more extreme diet circles that promote high-fat, low-carb eating patterns. This belief is often based on a misinterpretation of scientific studies that question the strength of the link between saturated fat and heart disease – not evidence that saturated fat is beneficial. In reality, there is no scientific support for the claim that butter clears arteries. Butter is high in saturated fat, which raises LDL cholesterol – a well-established risk factor for heart disease. While the relationship between saturated fat and heart health is complex and may vary depending on the food source (eg, dairy vs. processed meat), no research shows that butter improves artery health. Current evidence shows that lifestyle changes – such as a diet rich in fibre, fruits, vegetables, nuts and oily fish, along with regular exercise and quitting smoking, can help to lower LDL cholesterol and support heart health.
The verdict: Science > social media
Canola oil is not engine lubricant, and butter won’t clear your arteries. While both fats can be part of a balanced diet in moderation, the weight of scientific evidence supports replacing saturated fats like butter with healthier unsaturated fats, including canola. The smartest approach? Enjoy a variety of whole and minimally processed foods and keep ultra-processed options as very occasional treats – your heart will thank you for it.
Related content:
www.healthyfood.com
