Canola Oil Assists Heart Health

While an important blood clotting factor, fibrinogen, at elevated levels, is associated with increased risks of inflammation and inflammatory processes including coronary heart disease.  Tuulikki Seppanen-Laakso, from the University of Helsinki (Finland), and colleagues studied whether the consumption of canola (rapesesed) oil, rich in omega-3 alpha-linoleic acids, could counteract elevated levels of fibrinogen. The researchers investigated the effects of canola-type rapeseed oil on serum lipids, plasma fibrinogen, and fatty acids in 42 men and women with elevated fibrinogen and cholesterol.   Subjects replaced one quarter of their dietary fats with canola oil. During the six-week long study period, the team observed that canola oil doubled the intake of alpha-linoleic acids, and fibrinogen levels were reduced by 30%.  As well, the alpha-linoleic acids helped to decrease plasma omega-6s and increase docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) level.