Benefit Your Health and Your Grill with Canola Oil

SAN FRANCISCO - Grilling is a beloved summer ritual, and by using canola oil, it’s possible to enhance the cooking experience and flavor of your favorite dishes, while also providing healthy fat. “Canola oil is your best friend for summer grilling, it offers a unique one-two punch with both grilling and health benefits,” says CanolaInfo spokesperson, Manuel Villacorta, MS, RD. “There is even evidence that it may help to reduce belly fat”.

Villacorta offers a few of his favorite tips for healthy and satisfying summer eating:

Be a Star on the Grill

• High Smoke Point: Canola oil can take the heat which means less smoke when grilling.. Rub grill grates before heating to ensure food doesn’t stick.
• Neutral Flavor: Allow the flavors of your favorite recipes to shine for family and friends.
• Versatility: Canola oil works well in a variety of dishes, including marinades and salad dressings. The low saturated fat content means it doesn’t solidify in the fridge and stays ready to use at a moment’s notice.

Reduce Belly Fat

Canola oil contains mostly monounsaturated fats and a recent study suggests that using an oil made predominantly from monounsaturated fats may benefit the waistline. Research results -- published in the November 2016 Obesity journal -- saw a decrease in abdominal fat mass of participants on a canola oil diet, as compared to diets with oils that were made up of other types of fats. The participants in the study were at risk of metabolic syndrome, which affects 40% of Americans.

Get Started with Healthy Summer Grilling Recipes

The recipes below are delicious examples of how to incorporate canola oil into your summer grilling repertoire.

• Grilled Tuna Steaks with Cilantro and Basil
• Grilled Corn and Tomato Salad

For more recipes and facts about canola oil, visit www.canolainfo.org.

Email: fyi@canolainfo.org