From Submarine Lubricant to Cooking Oil

The Surprising Story of Canola

Origins:

Canola oil began as rapeseed oil -- a lubricant once used to keep World War II submarine engines and heavy machinery running smoothly. It wasn't originally intended for food, but for industrial use

Reinvented:

In the 1970s, Canadian scientists bred a new version of the rapeseed plant with lower levels of natural toxins. To make it more appealing for the food industry, they renamed it "canola" short for "Canadian oil." The new name helped distance it from its industrial past and its less appetizing reputation.

Your favorite French fries cooked in canola oil

How It's Made:

To extract the oil, canola seeds are crushed and exposed to high heat and chemical solvents such a hexane. The oil is then refined, bleached, and deodorized to remove strong odors and color. By the time it reaches the bottle, very little of the natural seed remains - only a processed, shelf-stable oil.

Health Concerns:

Canola is high in omega-6 fats, which can lead to inflammation when consumed in excess. It's also unstable when heated, forming oxidized compounds that can place stress on the body and interfere with natural cell repair. While it's marketed as a heart-healthy option, the heavy processing and imbalance of fats tell a different story.

So while canola oil may have started as a practical lubricant and was later refined into an edible product, its industrial origins still tell part of the story. The truth is, canola oil was designed for efficiency and shelf life — not for human health.

Popular US Commercial Salad Dressings with Canola Oil

Kraft- Italian, Ranch, Thousand Island, Zesty Italian

Hidden Valley - Original Ranch, Light Ranch, Caesar Dressing

Newman's Own - Olive Oil & Vinegar Dressings, Light Italian, Ranch varieties

Wish Bone - Italian, Light Italian, Balsamic Vinaigrette

Here are some popular mayonnaise brands that list canola oil (or “canola oil”‑type oils) among their ingredients. If you’re looking to avoid seed oils altogether, this list will help you spot which ones contain them. Always check the label on the jar you pick up, since formulations can change.

Hellman's Canola Mayonnaise - Uses “Water, Canola Oil, Modified Food Starch (Corn, Potato), … Eggs, Distilled Vinegar, Salt…” as the ingredient list

Best Foods Canola Mayonnaise - Ingredients: “Water, CANOLA OIL**, Modified Food Starch (Corn, Potato)**, Eggs+, … Vinegar, Salt…” as the ingredient list.

Spectrum Canola Mayonnaise - Made with “Expeller Pressed Canola Oil” listed as the first ingredient.

At Clean Living by Judith Raye, we believe in returning to time-honored, natural fats like cold-pressed olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, butter, and ghee — simple, unprocessed sources of nourishment that the body recognizes and thrives on. Understanding where our food comes from helps us make cleaner, wiser choices — and canola oil’s history is a perfect reminder that “modern” doesn’t always mean better.