Canola oil is widely considered to be a healthy oil, as it's low in saturated fat and high in monounsaturated fat. Both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats can improve cholesterol levels and lower your risk of heart disease. Internet chatter about the health concerns of canola oil are unfounded. Canola oil, which is extracted from the seeds of the canola plant, is generally recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration.

Misinformation about canola oil may stem from the fact that the canola plant was developed through crossbreeding with the rapeseed plant. Rapeseed oil contains very high levels of erucic acid, a compound that in large amounts can be toxic to humans. Canola oil, however, contains very low levels of erucic acid.

Canola oil's fat character makes it a healthy and safe choice when it comes to cooking oils.

Mayo Clinic a- nswers from Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.