In Rwanda, rapeseed is grown in the Northern parts of the country, by mainly family growers. Rapeseed (Brassica napus) or canola is a cabbage family member with leguminous attributes that produces the third most common vegetable oil in the world. When compared to other cooking oils, rapeseed oil has the lowest levels of saturated fat when compared to any other oil, including olive oil. Nutritionists say rapeseed oil contains a 50 per cent concentration of erucic acid. According to Selina Wamucii, a mobile-driven business-business sourcing platform for fresh produce from smallholder farmers in Africa’s rural areas, rapeseed oil comes from a plant that bears light yellow flowers. In a field, the sunflower-like crop produces a beautiful sight of yellow that dwarfs the spare, green foliage on the plant’s upper stems. Other than oil production, rapeseed makes commercial fodder for animals. It is also a growing source of biofuel for propelling engines. Inedible oil form, rapeseed is essential for various health attributes. Some of these include the improvement of brain health. It also boosts eyesight and gives an extra sheen to the hair. It brings about weight loss, prevents diseases, keeps cardio healthy, and improves the condition of the bones. It is also an excellent remedy for boosting the respiratory system. Erick Musengimana, a nutritionist at Rwanda Diabetes Association says studies have proven that rapeseed oil can help support brain health; eyes, skin, and hair health. It can as well help promote weight loss, help strengthen the immune system, supports better cardiovascular health, supports bone and joint health. He notes that besides, it contains the lowest saturated fat content of any oil; it is a good source of omega 3, 6, 9 as well as contains Vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant. Musengimana says rapeseed is also loaded with monosaturated fats, one of the good fats, typically found in plant foods, such as nuts, avocados, and vegetable oils. “When eaten in moderation, can help lower one’s lower cholesterol levels, reducing their risk for heart disease and stroke,” he says. Monounsaturated fats also help develop and maintain your body’s cell renewal, and comes highly recommended as part of vegetarian and vegan diets. Rene Tabaro, a nutritionist at King Faisal Hospital says rapeseed is high in omega oils and essential fatty acids. He mentions that rapeseed oil contains lots of omega oils and essential fatty acids which we typically find in fish or fish products. “It is thought that these properties benefit brain health, acts as a strong antioxidant, and is great for joint health too,” he says. In addition to this, Muesengimana says rapeseed oil is high in vitamin E which is good for the immune system, eyes, skin, and hair. He says that vitamin E is present in a variety of other foods including nuts and seeds, leafy green vegetables, salmon and trout, red peppers, and avocados. Studies indicate that a single tablespoon of rapeseed oil contains 0.7grams of saturated fat, less than half that of olive oil which has approximately 1.6g of saturated fat, and significantly less than coconut oil which contains an enormous 12grams. Since rapeseed oil easily has the least measured levels of saturated fat compared to any other oil, it has been proven that it is a more heart-friendly and weight beneficial choice.
