Hart AgStrong LLC
Canola
New markets for oilseed products will be continually explored to ensure a constant demand as planted acreage increases. Some of the exciting opportunities discovered by Hart AgStrong to date include providing feedstock for replacement of traditional petroleum-based products.
Not only is canola one of the most profitable crops southern farmers can grow, it fits as a winter alternative and can be double-cropped along with the usual summer crops. Canola should increase yields of companion winter wheat or summer crops like soybeans, cotton, peanuts or sunflowers when included in a 3-year rotation as disease and insect pressure is reduced and soil fertility and structure is improved.
Hart AgStrong can develop additional acreage by building farmer relationships and providing agronomic support for growing the crops. Once sufficient acreage exists in a given area, a regional processing facility is constructed. These regional plants are partially owned by the farmers who supply them, which opens an additional revenue stream for the farmers and strengthens their commitment to growing the oilseeds.
Health Benefits:
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Low in saturated fat. Canola oil has the least saturated fat of all culinary oils - less than half that of olive oil. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized a qualified health claim that just 1 1/2 tablespoons of canola oil per day may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease when used in place of saturated fat.
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High in monounsaturated fat. Canola oil is one of the top cooking oil sources of this beneficial fat, which lowers "bad" LDL cholesterol and helps control blood sugar.
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High in omega-3 fat. This anti-inflammatory substance, known as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), may improve heart health. It must be consumed as the body cannot make it. Canola oil has the most ALA omega-3 of all cooking oils. Just one serving provides 81 percent of the daily recommended intake of ALA for adults.
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Free of trans fat and cholesterol. Trans fat contributes to heart disease risk by increasing LDL cholesterol and lowering "good" HDL cholesterol. Too much dietary cholesterol also raises the risk of heart disease.
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A good source of vitamins E and K. One serving of canola oil provides 16 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin E for adults, a nutrient that can fall short in the American diet. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that may help protect the heart. Vitamin K helps maintain normal blood flow and canola oil contains 20 percent of the recommended daily amount per serving.
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A good source of plant sterols. Canola oil is second highest in plant sterols of all vegetable oils. Such sterols may reduce the risk of heart disease.
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The best value for health. All of the above heart-healthy components of canola oil are just pennies per serving - a simple, affordable investment in one's health.
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