Rapeseed oil health benefits

Without fats and oils our bodies would not function properly but you need to get the balance right - let us explain in simple terms.

Essential nutrient - why we need fats and oils

Fats and oils are used to describe concentrated energy sources found in many foods.

Without fats and oils our bodies would not function properly.

Fats and oils:

  • Provide energy
  • Transport fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, K
  • Provide the essential fatty acids omega 3, 6 and 9 involved in many important functions in the body, including heart health
  • Help keep us warm and protect internal organs like the kidneys


Definition - fats explained

Fats and oils are defined as saturated or unsaturated depending on which of these it contains the most of.

All fats and oils will be made up of a mixture of saturated and unsaturated fat, but one type usually dominates, for example rapeseed oil is mostly made up of monounsaturated fat, whereas butter is mostly made up of saturated fat.

  • Saturated fats  (also described as saturates) such as butter or the fat that remains on the baking tray long after the Sunday roast has been enjoyed, tend to be solid at room temperature
  • Unsaturated fats - mono-unsaturated and poly-unsaturated  (also known as essential fatty acids: omega 3, 6, and 9) such as rapeseed oil or olive oil, are typically called vegetable oils, and tend to be liquid at room temperature


Good and bad fats

We now know that some fats and oils are better for us than others:

  • Bad - saturated fats too much can raise cholesterol, which can lead to heart disease and stroke
  • Good - unsaturated fats   can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels as part of a healthy balanced diet, beneficial for heart health

Food surveys in the UK estimate that as a nation we are consuming 20% more of the bad unhealthy saturated fat than recommended by health experts. The average man should eat no more than 30g of saturated fat a day, and the average woman should eat no more than 20g.


Getting the balance right is what's important

Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats should be used to substitute saturated fats in the diet and it's important to get the balance right and not to increase the overall fat intake - as too much of any fat in our diet can lead to overweight and obesity.


Rapeseed oil - why it's a healthy choice

Rapeseed oil has a favourable balance of 'good' and 'bad' fats:

Rapeseed Oil Fat Comparison Chart.jpg