Is Canola Oil Bad for You? What Science Says About Memory Loss and Weight Gain

Canola oil has long been promoted as a “heart-healthy” alternative to other cooking oils. You’ve probably seen it on grocery store shelves or found it listed in the ingredients of packaged foods. It’s often labeled as a better choice due to its low saturated fat content. But recent research suggests there may be more to this story than we thought.

According to a study from Temple University, canola oil could be linked to memory loss, weight gain, and brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease. That’s pretty alarming for something many of us cook with daily!

So, what’s really going on with canola oil? Let’s break it down in simple terms.

What Is Canola Oil, Anyway?

Before we dive into the science, let’s start with the basics. Canola oil comes from the canola plant, which was developed in Canada in the 1970s. The name “canola” actually stands for “Canadian oil, low acid.” It’s made from a special type of rapeseed that was bred to remove compounds that were considered harmful.

Canola oil is popular for a few key reasons:

• It’s cheap to produce
• It has a neutral flavor
• It has a high smoke point (great for frying and cooking)
• It’s low in saturated fat and high in unsaturated fat

That all sounds great so far, right? But here’s where things get a bit murky.

The Study That Raised Eyebrows

The researchers at Temple University’s Lewis Katz School of Medicine set out to dig deeper into how canola oil affects the brain. They used a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease, meaning the mice were genetically tweaked to develop symptoms similar to what happens in human Alzheimer’s.

Here’s what they found:

• Mice that were fed a canola oil-rich diet gained more weight than those on a regular diet
• The canola-fed mice showed memory impairments during tests
• They had higher levels of amyloid plaques — the sticky buildup linked to Alzheimer’s disease
• There was a noticeable disruption in synaptic integrity (how brain cells communicate)

That’s pretty serious stuff. Let’s take a look at some of this data in an easier-to-digest format.

Comparison of Mice Fed Regular vs. Canola-Rich Diet

How Canola Oil May Affect the Brain

The researchers believe that canola oil may decrease the levels of a protein called PSD95, which is essential for healthy brain function. Without enough of this protein, brain cells may have a harder time communicating with each other.

Imagine your brain is like a group of friends all texting in a group chat. PSD95 is like the Wi-Fi that keeps the chat going smoothly. Now, if that Wi-Fi gets spotty—or disappears altogether—it’s harder to remember and respond. That’s kind of what happens with disrupted synapses in the brain.

Does This Mean You Should Ditch Canola Oil Completely?

At this point, you might be wondering, “Should I stop using canola oil altogether?”

Well, not so fast. While this study does raise concerns, it’s important to note a few things:

• The study was done on mice—and while mice are genetically similar to humans, they’re not exactly the same
• It focused on Alzheimer’s-prone mice, not healthy individuals
• The amount and duration of oil consumption in the study were specific to the experiment

In short, while this research sends up some warning flags, we can’t claim with certainty that canola oil has the exact same effect on humans. But it’s definitely a good reason to pause and take a closer look at what we’re putting on our plates.

Healthier Alternatives to Canola Oil

If you’re looking to play it safe, here are a few healthier cooking oil options that come with potential brain and heart benefits:

• Extra virgin olive oil – rich in antioxidants, great for brain and heart health
• Avocado oil – packed with monounsaturated fats
• Coconut oil – controversial but works well for high-heat cooking
• Flaxseed oil – contains omega-3 fatty acids, though it’s best used cold

Comparing Fats in Common Cooking Oils

My Take on All This

I’ll admit: I used to grab the canola oil bottle without a second thought. It seemed like a simple, heart-friendly option. But after digging into this research, I’ve started rotating in more olive oil and avocado oil—especially for salad dressings or low-heat cooking.

Our food choices really add up over time. If something as simple as switching oils could help protect your memory and brain health, why not give it a shot?

The Bottom Line

While more human studies are needed, this new research offers a wake-up call about something many of us use daily. It’s worth being mindful of your oil choices—especially if brain health and weight management are important to you.

As always, balance is key. You don’t need to swear off canola oil completely, but mixing up your cooking oils and choosing less processed options could do your brain (and waistline) a big favor.

Sources

1. Canola oil worsens memory, increases amyloid plaque, and decreases synaptic integrity in Alzheimer’s mouse model
2. Is Canola Oil Healthy?
3. What are the healthiest cooking oils?
4. Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures