Rapeseed oil is not only a real thing but also a beneficial oil more recently known as canola oil (in Canada and the United States”> but that is just an edible rapeseed oil that was bred in Canada in the 1970s. The plant known as rape comes from the Latin word for “turnip” and is the third most important crop grown in the UK after wheat and barley. Rapeseed oil comes from the black seeds of the rapeseed plant, Brassica napus, which is part of the Brassica family just like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower.
Rapeseed plant produces sunny, dandelion-yellow flowers around springtime. Rapeseed or canola seeds are harvested and then crushed to receive the oil from the seeds. This oil is always refined, has a light texture, pale golden color and a neutral taste. The canola meal after extraction is high in protein and usually used for animal feed. When purchasing canola oil search for expeller pressed, which means the oil was mechanically pressed without chemical solvents and although pricier, will guarantee that there are no solvents remaining in the oil.
Is rapeseed oil toxic?
The oil used to be so toxic that the FDA banned it for human consumption in 1956, but through selective breeding programs in German universities, the bitter-tasting oil was reduced to a level that was safe for human consumption in winter rapeseed. Later in Canada, summer rapeseed was found with low levels of erucic acid (a monosaturated omega-9 fatty acid that can be toxic in large amounts”>. When Canadian growers bred the new variety of rapeseed with a lower content of erucic acid in the 19070’s they also decided it needed a new name. They called it “canola” which is coined from “Canadian oil, low acid” so consumers knew it was safe to consume.
Makeup of rapeseed / canola oil
via Oilypedia
- 61% of monounsaturated oleic acid (omega-9 fatty acid”>
- 21% of polyunsaturated linoleic acid (omega-6 essential fatty acid”>
- 11% of alpha-Linolenic acid (omega-3 essential fatty acid”>
- 7% of saturated fatty acids
- 4% of palmitic acids
- 2 % of stearic acid
Read more: Oleic or Linoleic Acid: The Reason You Love Oils So Much
What are the benefits of rapeseed oil?
Without fats and oils our bodies would not function properly so proper balance is necessary. We all know there are good and bad fats with saturated fats being worse and unsaturated fats being better. Rapeseed oil is a healthy choice oil, as it has a favorable balance of good and bad fats.
- Least fats than any other cooking fats and oils
- High in healthy mono and polyunsaturated fats (omega 3, 6 & 9″>
- Rich in vitamin E
- Contains plant sterols
Is rapeseed a good oil for hair?
Rapeseed is perfect choice for dry hair. The unsaturated fatty acids possess strong moisturizing properties, which seem to coat the hair better than other oils. It is light and penetrates the scalp and shaft. With its excellent ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats it is considered to possess anti-inflammatory effects, which help to soothe an irritated scalp. This oil is great for hot oil treatments and scalp massages to aid with dryness and to add sheen to dull tresses.
With its highest concentration of fatty acids being oleic and linoleic acid it is no wonder it does our hair some serious good! Oleic acid controls water loss in hair strands while making hair softer and more pliable whereas linoleic acid stimulates hair growth along with maintaining a healthy scalp. Oh and yes, it also controls water loss in your hair strands.
Mayo Hair Mask
- Canola oil
- Mayonnaise
- Favorite essential oil
Mix equal parts canola oil and mayo thoroughly. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for aroma and apply to hair before covering with a shower cap. Leave on for two hours. (No extra heat needed”>. Wash hair and style as usual.
Rapeseed Hair Mask
- Rapeseed oil
- Olive oil
- Castor oil
- Ampoules of vitamin A
- Ampoules of vitamin E
*An ampoule is a supercharged serum with higher concentrations of active ingredients.
Equal parts of each oil should be used but how much will be determined by the thickness and length of your hair. Mix in a small bowl. Apply to hair and cover with shower cap overnight. Rinse and cleanse hair as usual.
Do you have rapeseed in your DIY arsenal?
