By: Rafia Urooj Saman
Canola oil is the better form of mustard oil, which is locally known as Sarson ka Tail. But, unfortunately Pakistan is lagging behind in production as well as consumption of the canola oil. Canola varieties are actually genetically modified plants having minimum amount of Erucic acid and glucosinolates as compared to the mustard oil. This is also one of the reasons why mustard oil is not common in US and also for an increase in heart diseases in Asia. Asian countries including Pakistan commonly use Mustard oil, being rich in Erucic acid, in daily cooking, pickles and other food items leading to the increased heart related disorders. The name Canola is originated from ‘Canada’ and ‘ola’ meaning oil. The crop is widely cultivated in Canada for its oil yielding properties. In Pakistan Mustard is the 2 nd most common source of oil producing more than 2 million tonnes annually. Crop is not only grown for oil but also utilized as vegetable, animal fodder and in various locally prepared remedies. Mustard oil is also utilized in various hair tonics, body massage and preserved items. But Canola production in Pakistan is very limited to only some areas including Rawalpindi, Chakwal, Rahimyar Khan, Bahawalpur and Multan on the main-scale.
There is an increasing need to encourage the use of Canola oil in Pakistan. In this regard, various agricultural research institutes of the country are introducing the varieties that are more tolerant to different stresses without compromising yield and nutritional importance of the crop. Oilseed Research Institute, Faisalabad and Barani Agriculture Research Institute Chakwal has launched more than 10 varieties of Canola Sarson. The oil obtained from these varieties is of supreme quality and have least Erucic acid content in them.
Canola oil is considered to be the healthiest oil to cook with as it has very minimum amounts of saturated fats while compared to other cooking oils used in Pakistan. Low saturated fat content means balanced blood cholesterol level, reduced heart diseases, no weight gain, minimum inflammation, controlled blood pressure and even very low chances of having cancer. Canola oil is also rich source of providing energy as 100g of oil has more than 800 calories. Whereas other oils, utilized in Pakistan has on average of 600-700 calories per 100g. Canola oil can be used for deep frying because only minute quantities of oil are retained. Other than cooking, oil is also used in grill frying, baking, in salads and various sauces. Canola oil contains increased content of Vitamin E which is very beneficial for the hairs and skin protecting it from harmful radicals, ageing signs, wrinkles, acne etc. Vitamin E is also important for the inner body health like cell membrane maintenance. Canola oil helps reduce inflammation and the joint related disorders. It is also capable to increase the metabolic rate and thus helps in weight loss. This oil can also be used as a body moisturizer by simply mixing the oil with any of the essential oil and then applying it.